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The taxonomically relevant parts of the male genitalia of Cochlicopa: seasonal variability within two field populations and observations under laboratory conditions (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Cochlicopidae)
JournalArticle (Originalarbeit in einer wissenschaftlichen Zeitschrift)
The taxonomically relevant parts of the male genitalia of Cochlicopa: seasonal variability within two field populations and observations under laboratory conditions (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Cochlicopidae)
Journal
Malakologische Abhandlungen
Volume
17
Number
1-9
Pages / Article-Number
47-56
Abstract
Variability of the appendix and epiphallus of four taxa of Cochlicopa were studied. Only conchologically fully grown specimens were investigated. The four taxa belong to two well established conchological groups: 1) C. lubrica (O. F. MULLER, 1774) and C. repentina HUDEC, 1960, and 2) C. nitens (GALLENSTEIN, 1848) and "Cochlicopa species nova" (see FALKNER, 1992). The members of each group are conchologically indistinguishable. Within both groups, taxa only can be distinguished by their appendix- and epiphallus-structures. The first taxon within a group exhibits "lubrica" genitalia; the second "repentina" genitalia. Specimens from two localities in South Germany were studied: 1) a locality, where C. lubrica and C. repentina co-occur, and 2) a locality, where C. nitens and "Cochlicopasp. n." occur together. Gradual transitions between the "repentina" types and the "lubrica" types could be found in both localities. It is suggested that switching between "repentina" and "lubrica" types is possible during different seasons and/or under different ecological conditions. Furthermore, it is assumed that "lubrica" types and "repentina" types are more likely individual anatomical forms than constant character-states of separate taxa. C. repentina and "Cochlicopa sp. n." are strongly suspected to be only modified forms of C. lubrica and of C. nitens, respectively.
