Marta Pola - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Marta Pola

Research paper thumbnail of The little Aplysia coming of age: from one species to a complex of species complexes in Aplysia parvula (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Heterobranchia)

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Jun 1, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Taxonomic revision and phylogenetic analysis of the genus Tambja Burn, 1962 (Mollusca, Nudibranchia, Polyceridae)

Zoologica Scripta, Sep 1, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of New contributions to the subfamily Polycerinae (Nudibranchia, Polyceridae): description of three new species and one new genus

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

The subfamily Polycerinae includes eight genera, from the monospecific Lamellana and Lecithophoru... more The subfamily Polycerinae includes eight genera, from the monospecific Lamellana and Lecithophorus to the diverse Polycera and Gymnodoris, with 33 and 26 valid species, respectively. The monophyly of the subfamily has been tested by molecular data although not all genera were included. To date, relationships within the subfamily are not supported. In the present paper, three new species of polycerid nudibranchs are fully described based on specimens collected in Marshall Islands and Australia: one Palio species (Palio gaeli sp. nov.), one Polycera species (Polycera nimbsi sp. nov.) and a new genus (Paliota galactica gen. and sp. nov.). The new genus is described based on its peculiar radular teeth and genetic divergence. The internal anatomy was studied by dissections and scanning electron microscope photographs. Partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) as well as nuclear histone H3 (H3) were also obtained. A phylogenetic fr...

Research paper thumbnail of A stomach plate to divide them all: a phylogenetic reassessment of the family Tritoniidae (Nudibranchia: Cladobranchia)

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society

The phylogeny of the family Tritoniidae has recently been studied with significant advances, but ... more The phylogeny of the family Tritoniidae has recently been studied with significant advances, but the relationships between genera are still controversial. In our study, we investigated the phylogeny of Tritoniidae using the most diverse taxon sampling possible. We applied an integrative approach based on new sequences of two mitochondrial genes (COI and 16S), a nuclear gene (H3) and morpho-anatomical characters. The monophyly of the family Tritoniidae was not recovered in our phylogenetic analyses. In view of our results, we propose a new rearrangement at the subfamily and genus levels. The plate-bearing genera are raised to the subfamily level as the monophyletic Marioniinae subfam. nov., formed by Marionia and the reinstated Marioniopsis. The remaining plate-less genera are raised to the subfamily level as the monophyletic Tritoniinae subfam. nov.. The genus Myrella is reinstated to assign the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic tritoniids. The taxonomic status of the monotypic Tritonidox...

Research paper thumbnail of When a genus must become two: resurrection of Pelagella Gray, 1850 with the description of six new species

Journal of Molluscan Studies

Goniodoris is the third most diverse genus of the nudibranch family Goniodorididae. The genus has... more Goniodoris is the third most diverse genus of the nudibranch family Goniodorididae. The genus has undergone several taxonomic changes, with c. one-third of the recognized species of Goniodoris having been synonymized (most of these are junior synonyms of genera from other families). In addition, Goniodoris includes other synonymized genera within it, such as Pelagella, which was erected for Doris pareti. This species was synonymized with Goniodoris castanea and the genus Pelagella went almost unnoticed. In the present study, we investigate the systematics of the genus Goniodoris by examining specimens of G. castanea from England and Spain, G. joubini from Hawaii and six undescribed Goniodoris species from Australia, the Philippines and Mozambique. The morphology of the new species is studied using dissections of the internal organs and scanning electron micrographs of the radulae, labial cuticles and the penis. We also carried out phylogenetic analyses using partial DNA sequences of...

Research paper thumbnail of Runcinidae and Facelinidae: Two complete mitogenomes of understudied and misleading heterobranch families (Gastropoda, Mollusca)

Authorea (Authorea), Jan 4, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Integrative taxonomy reveals that not all European reddish runcinids are the same: the case of the Runcina ferruginea Kress, 1977 (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia, Runcinida) species-complex, with the description of a new genus

Invertebrate Systematics

Owing to the small size and cryptic morphology, runcinids are among the most difficult marine het... more Owing to the small size and cryptic morphology, runcinids are among the most difficult marine heterobranchs to study and consequently one of the groups about which little is known. Only recently were molecular tools and phylogenetics first employed to study the systematics. The charismatic European reddish-brown species Runcina ferruginea Kress, 1977, first described from Plymouth, UK, is a paradigm of the challenges facing the taxonomy of these slugs. Due to similarities between R. ferruginea and the Croatian species R. zavodniki described by Thompson, 1980, the latter has been considered as a junior synonym. However, molecular phylogenetics revealed the occurrence of a complex of four species masked under the name R. ferruginea. Through an integrative approach, combining multi-locus (COI, 16S rRNA and histone H3) molecular phylogenetics and morpho-anatomical characters (shape and colouration of body, radula, gizzard plates and reproductive systems) based on specimens from south-we...

Research paper thumbnail of Polycera norvegica is a valid species, and a plea for good taxonomic practices – a reply to Korshunova et al., 2021

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

In this letter we highlight the inconsistencies and dismantle the arguments used by Korshunova et... more In this letter we highlight the inconsistencies and dismantle the arguments used by Korshunova et al. (2021) where the authors have treated the nudibranch species Polycera norvegica as a junior synonym of Polycera capitata (original designation: Thecacera capitata). We show that in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Thecacera capitata should be considered a nomen dubium, and we reinstate Polycera norvegica as the valid name of this species.

Research paper thumbnail of Reassessing North Eastern Atlantic‐Mediterranean species of Trapania (Mollusca, Nudibranchia)

Zoologica Scripta

Trapania is the second largest genus belonging to the family Goniodorididae, of which most of the... more Trapania is the second largest genus belonging to the family Goniodorididae, of which most of the species are reported from Indo‐Pacific waters. To date, there are nine species of Trapania distributed along the temperate coasts of the East Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea: Trapania fusca, Trapania graeffei, Trapania hispalensis, Trapania lineata, Trapania maculata, Trapania orteai, Trapania pallida, Trapania sanctipetrensis and Trapania tartanella. However, the validity of some of these species has been problematic due to uncertain taxonomic characteristics used for the differentiation of the species. The genus Trapania has a very uniformly external morphology and very similar internal anatomy. As a consequence, the features most commonly used to differentiate species have been the colour pattern of the body and the morphology of the radula. In the present study, we perform a morphological and molecular revision of the East Atlantic‐Mediterranean species of the genus Trapania. M...

Research paper thumbnail of Sirup kulit buah nenas

Pangan dan gizi. Buku I, 2000., 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular phylogeny of European Runcinida (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia): the discover of an unexpected pool of complex species, with special reference to the case ofRuncina coronata

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2021

Runcinida is a small heterobranch order of sea slugs with 61 known species distributed worldwide ... more Runcinida is a small heterobranch order of sea slugs with 61 known species distributed worldwide across temperate and tropical latitudes with two established families (Ilbiidae and Runcinidae). Little is known about the phylogenetic relationships within Runcinida. Here, we present the first molecular phylogeny of the order with an emphasis on European species and we discuss the taxonomic status of the type species Runcina coronata. Molecular phylogenetics based on the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA and nuclear gene histone H3 is used to investigate relationships between species. Detailed morpho-anatomical worked was additionally employed to study Runcina coronata. Our results suggest the monophyly of Runcinida and showed that Runcina coronata is a complex of four species, namely: R. coronata proper, R. aurata and two new species here formally described (R. caletensis sp. nov. and R. tingensis sp. nov.).

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 18 In Review Of Baeolidia, The Largest Genus Of Aeolidiidae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia), With The Description Of Five New Species

FIGURE 18. Map of the range of the different species of Spurilla, Berghia, Limenandra, and Baeoli... more FIGURE 18. Map of the range of the different species of Spurilla, Berghia, Limenandra, and Baeolidia. A. Berghia and Limenandra. B. Spurilla and Baeolidia. Abbreviation: Isolated records of Baeolidia cryporos (star) and Spurilla braziliana (square).

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 11. Scanning Electron Photographs. A, B In Review Of Baeolidia, The Largest Genus Of Aeolidiidae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia), With The Description Of Five New Species

FIGURE 11. Scanning electron photographs. A, B, Baeolidia rieae sp. nov. (CASIZ 184525); (A) Deta... more FIGURE 11. Scanning electron photographs. A, B, Baeolidia rieae sp. nov. (CASIZ 184525); (A) Detailed view of the jaw; (B) Radular teeth; (C–D) Baeolidia variabilis sp. nov. (CASIZ 177715); (C) Detailed view of the masticatory border; (D) Radular teeth; (E-F) Baeolidia lunaris sp. nov. (CASIZ 099221); (E) Detailed view of the masticatory border; (F) Radular teeth. Scale bars: A, 30 µm; B, 100 µm; C, 2 µm; D, 10 µm; E, 10 µm; F, 20 µm.

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 8 In Review Of Baeolidia, The Largest Genus Of Aeolidiidae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia), With The Description Of Five New Species

FIGURE 8. Photographs of the living animals. (A) Baeolidia harrietae, specimen from Papua New Gui... more FIGURE 8. Photographs of the living animals. (A) Baeolidia harrietae, specimen from Papua New Guinea, photo by Terrence M. Gosliner; (B) Baeolidia australis, specimen from Australia, photo by Lean and David Atkinson; (C) Baeolidia salaamica, specimen from the Philippines, photo by Terrence M. Gosliner, CASIZ 177599; (D) Baeolidia salaamica, specimen from the Philippines, photo by Terrence M. Gosliner, CASIZ 177397; (E) Baeolidia chaka, specimen from South Africa (6 mm), photo by Terrence M. Gosliner; (F) Baeolidia palythoae, specimen from South Africa (8 mm), photo by Terrence M. Gosliner.

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 7 In Review Of Baeolidia, The Largest Genus Of Aeolidiidae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia), With The Description Of Five New Species

FIGURE 7. Scanning electron photographs. (A–B) Baeolidia ransoni (CASIZ 065417); (A) Detailed vie... more FIGURE 7. Scanning electron photographs. (A–B) Baeolidia ransoni (CASIZ 065417); (A) Detailed view of the masticatory border; (B) Radular teeth; (C–D) Baeolidia salaamica (CASIZ 184524); (C) Detailed view of the masticatory border; (D) Radular teeth. Scale bars: A, 50 µm; B, 100 µm; C, 50 µm; D, 150 µm.

Research paper thumbnail of Rediscovering the overlooked genus Murphydoris (Nudibranchia: Goniodorididae): the first phylogeny and addition of four new species

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2022

Sigurdson (1991) erected the monospecific genus Murphydoris to include the species Murphydoris si... more Sigurdson (1991) erected the monospecific genus Murphydoris to include the species Murphydoris singaporensis. This species differed from the rest of the genera in Goniodorididae by the lack of lamellae on the rhinophores and gill branches around the anus. Since its original description, Murphydoris singaporensis has only been found in Singapore and Thailand. Recently, the paratypes of Murphydoris singaporensis were studied and compared with remaining type species of Goniodorididae, showing that the apomorphies of the genus were unclear and some undescribed species reported as Goniodoridella could belong to Murphydoris. In this study, we examined four undescribed species from the Indo-Pacific region. The internal anatomy was studied by dissections, and electron microscope photographs are included to show details of their radulae, labial cuticles and penises. One specimen was also studied under micro-computed tomography. In addition, mitochondrial and nuclear partial sequences of the ...

Research paper thumbnail of An ocean yet to be discovered: increasing systematic knowledge of Indo-Pacific

Invertebrate Systematics, 2021

Numerous faunistic and ecological studies have been conducted throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean t... more Numerous faunistic and ecological studies have been conducted throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean to assess its biodiversity. Despite the abundance of research, studies on the species that inhabit the Indo-Pacific are still necessary due to its extent and high species richness. The major species richness of the genus Okenia Menke, 1830 (Nudibranchia, Goniodorididae) is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, including 38 of 60 valid species. Nevertheless, this number does not represent the real biodiversity, since at least 20 more species are already reported in field-guides as undescribed species belonging to this genus. The systematics of the genus Okenia are still unclear since it has been the subject of only a few and incomplete studies. In the present paper, we describe five new Okenia species from the coastlines of Japan, Mozambique and Australia: Okenia aurorapapillata sp. nov., Okenia elisae sp. nov., Okenia nakanoae sp. nov., Okenia siderata sp. nov. and Okenia tenuifibrata sp. nov....

Research paper thumbnail of What is really out there? Review of the genus Okenia Menke, 1830 (Nudibranchia: Goniodorididae) in the Mediterranean Sea with description of two new species

Research paper thumbnail of A Spanish dancer? No! A troupe of dancers: a review of the family Hexabranchidae Bergh, 1891 (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia, Nudibranchia)

Organisms Diversity & Evolution

Color ontogeny and variations associated with discrete morphological differences may generate tax... more Color ontogeny and variations associated with discrete morphological differences may generate taxonomical challenges, which requires multiple data types and in-depth historical review. The nudibranch known as the Spanish dancer, Hexabranchus sanguineus, is a classic example with over 200 years of taxonomic confusion. Currently, H. sanguineus is accepted by most authors as a single species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean with Hexabranchus morsomus as a valid species from the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, despite these species being highly studied, their systematic status remains debatable. Over 30 synonyms have been proposed for H. sanguineus and even a distinct genus for H. morsomus. Here we provide, for the first time, a comprehensive review of all proposed names and an integrative taxonomic revision of the genus including morphological and molecular data. Our results reveal that H. sanguineus is a complex of five species: four previously described and an undescribed species, one of the largest...

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 2 in Aeolidia papillosa (Linnaeus, 1761) (Mollusca: Heterobranchia: Nudibranchia), single species or a cryptic species complex? A morphological and molecular study

Figure 2. Phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus Aeolidia based on the combined data set (H3 + COI... more Figure 2. Phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus Aeolidia based on the combined data set (H3 + COI + 16S) inferred by Bayesian analysis (BI). Numbers above branches represent posterior probabilities from BI. Numbers below branches represent bootstrap values from ML. The results from different species delimitation methods are also plotted. Abbreviations: A, ABGD, based on the COI data set, with both models (Jukes Cantor and Kimura); B, number of species based on SplitsTree results; EA, eastern Atlantic Ocean; grey rectangle, Aeolidia papillosa; dashed rectangle, Aeolidia loui sp. nov.; black rectangle, Aeolidia campbellii; pointed rectangle, Aeolidia filomenae sp. nov.

Research paper thumbnail of The little Aplysia coming of age: from one species to a complex of species complexes in Aplysia parvula (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Heterobranchia)

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Jun 1, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Taxonomic revision and phylogenetic analysis of the genus Tambja Burn, 1962 (Mollusca, Nudibranchia, Polyceridae)

Zoologica Scripta, Sep 1, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of New contributions to the subfamily Polycerinae (Nudibranchia, Polyceridae): description of three new species and one new genus

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

The subfamily Polycerinae includes eight genera, from the monospecific Lamellana and Lecithophoru... more The subfamily Polycerinae includes eight genera, from the monospecific Lamellana and Lecithophorus to the diverse Polycera and Gymnodoris, with 33 and 26 valid species, respectively. The monophyly of the subfamily has been tested by molecular data although not all genera were included. To date, relationships within the subfamily are not supported. In the present paper, three new species of polycerid nudibranchs are fully described based on specimens collected in Marshall Islands and Australia: one Palio species (Palio gaeli sp. nov.), one Polycera species (Polycera nimbsi sp. nov.) and a new genus (Paliota galactica gen. and sp. nov.). The new genus is described based on its peculiar radular teeth and genetic divergence. The internal anatomy was studied by dissections and scanning electron microscope photographs. Partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) as well as nuclear histone H3 (H3) were also obtained. A phylogenetic fr...

Research paper thumbnail of A stomach plate to divide them all: a phylogenetic reassessment of the family Tritoniidae (Nudibranchia: Cladobranchia)

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society

The phylogeny of the family Tritoniidae has recently been studied with significant advances, but ... more The phylogeny of the family Tritoniidae has recently been studied with significant advances, but the relationships between genera are still controversial. In our study, we investigated the phylogeny of Tritoniidae using the most diverse taxon sampling possible. We applied an integrative approach based on new sequences of two mitochondrial genes (COI and 16S), a nuclear gene (H3) and morpho-anatomical characters. The monophyly of the family Tritoniidae was not recovered in our phylogenetic analyses. In view of our results, we propose a new rearrangement at the subfamily and genus levels. The plate-bearing genera are raised to the subfamily level as the monophyletic Marioniinae subfam. nov., formed by Marionia and the reinstated Marioniopsis. The remaining plate-less genera are raised to the subfamily level as the monophyletic Tritoniinae subfam. nov.. The genus Myrella is reinstated to assign the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic tritoniids. The taxonomic status of the monotypic Tritonidox...

Research paper thumbnail of When a genus must become two: resurrection of Pelagella Gray, 1850 with the description of six new species

Journal of Molluscan Studies

Goniodoris is the third most diverse genus of the nudibranch family Goniodorididae. The genus has... more Goniodoris is the third most diverse genus of the nudibranch family Goniodorididae. The genus has undergone several taxonomic changes, with c. one-third of the recognized species of Goniodoris having been synonymized (most of these are junior synonyms of genera from other families). In addition, Goniodoris includes other synonymized genera within it, such as Pelagella, which was erected for Doris pareti. This species was synonymized with Goniodoris castanea and the genus Pelagella went almost unnoticed. In the present study, we investigate the systematics of the genus Goniodoris by examining specimens of G. castanea from England and Spain, G. joubini from Hawaii and six undescribed Goniodoris species from Australia, the Philippines and Mozambique. The morphology of the new species is studied using dissections of the internal organs and scanning electron micrographs of the radulae, labial cuticles and the penis. We also carried out phylogenetic analyses using partial DNA sequences of...

Research paper thumbnail of Runcinidae and Facelinidae: Two complete mitogenomes of understudied and misleading heterobranch families (Gastropoda, Mollusca)

Authorea (Authorea), Jan 4, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Integrative taxonomy reveals that not all European reddish runcinids are the same: the case of the Runcina ferruginea Kress, 1977 (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia, Runcinida) species-complex, with the description of a new genus

Invertebrate Systematics

Owing to the small size and cryptic morphology, runcinids are among the most difficult marine het... more Owing to the small size and cryptic morphology, runcinids are among the most difficult marine heterobranchs to study and consequently one of the groups about which little is known. Only recently were molecular tools and phylogenetics first employed to study the systematics. The charismatic European reddish-brown species Runcina ferruginea Kress, 1977, first described from Plymouth, UK, is a paradigm of the challenges facing the taxonomy of these slugs. Due to similarities between R. ferruginea and the Croatian species R. zavodniki described by Thompson, 1980, the latter has been considered as a junior synonym. However, molecular phylogenetics revealed the occurrence of a complex of four species masked under the name R. ferruginea. Through an integrative approach, combining multi-locus (COI, 16S rRNA and histone H3) molecular phylogenetics and morpho-anatomical characters (shape and colouration of body, radula, gizzard plates and reproductive systems) based on specimens from south-we...

Research paper thumbnail of Polycera norvegica is a valid species, and a plea for good taxonomic practices – a reply to Korshunova et al., 2021

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

In this letter we highlight the inconsistencies and dismantle the arguments used by Korshunova et... more In this letter we highlight the inconsistencies and dismantle the arguments used by Korshunova et al. (2021) where the authors have treated the nudibranch species Polycera norvegica as a junior synonym of Polycera capitata (original designation: Thecacera capitata). We show that in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Thecacera capitata should be considered a nomen dubium, and we reinstate Polycera norvegica as the valid name of this species.

Research paper thumbnail of Reassessing North Eastern Atlantic‐Mediterranean species of Trapania (Mollusca, Nudibranchia)

Zoologica Scripta

Trapania is the second largest genus belonging to the family Goniodorididae, of which most of the... more Trapania is the second largest genus belonging to the family Goniodorididae, of which most of the species are reported from Indo‐Pacific waters. To date, there are nine species of Trapania distributed along the temperate coasts of the East Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea: Trapania fusca, Trapania graeffei, Trapania hispalensis, Trapania lineata, Trapania maculata, Trapania orteai, Trapania pallida, Trapania sanctipetrensis and Trapania tartanella. However, the validity of some of these species has been problematic due to uncertain taxonomic characteristics used for the differentiation of the species. The genus Trapania has a very uniformly external morphology and very similar internal anatomy. As a consequence, the features most commonly used to differentiate species have been the colour pattern of the body and the morphology of the radula. In the present study, we perform a morphological and molecular revision of the East Atlantic‐Mediterranean species of the genus Trapania. M...

Research paper thumbnail of Sirup kulit buah nenas

Pangan dan gizi. Buku I, 2000., 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular phylogeny of European Runcinida (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia): the discover of an unexpected pool of complex species, with special reference to the case ofRuncina coronata

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2021

Runcinida is a small heterobranch order of sea slugs with 61 known species distributed worldwide ... more Runcinida is a small heterobranch order of sea slugs with 61 known species distributed worldwide across temperate and tropical latitudes with two established families (Ilbiidae and Runcinidae). Little is known about the phylogenetic relationships within Runcinida. Here, we present the first molecular phylogeny of the order with an emphasis on European species and we discuss the taxonomic status of the type species Runcina coronata. Molecular phylogenetics based on the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA and nuclear gene histone H3 is used to investigate relationships between species. Detailed morpho-anatomical worked was additionally employed to study Runcina coronata. Our results suggest the monophyly of Runcinida and showed that Runcina coronata is a complex of four species, namely: R. coronata proper, R. aurata and two new species here formally described (R. caletensis sp. nov. and R. tingensis sp. nov.).

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 18 In Review Of Baeolidia, The Largest Genus Of Aeolidiidae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia), With The Description Of Five New Species

FIGURE 18. Map of the range of the different species of Spurilla, Berghia, Limenandra, and Baeoli... more FIGURE 18. Map of the range of the different species of Spurilla, Berghia, Limenandra, and Baeolidia. A. Berghia and Limenandra. B. Spurilla and Baeolidia. Abbreviation: Isolated records of Baeolidia cryporos (star) and Spurilla braziliana (square).

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 11. Scanning Electron Photographs. A, B In Review Of Baeolidia, The Largest Genus Of Aeolidiidae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia), With The Description Of Five New Species

FIGURE 11. Scanning electron photographs. A, B, Baeolidia rieae sp. nov. (CASIZ 184525); (A) Deta... more FIGURE 11. Scanning electron photographs. A, B, Baeolidia rieae sp. nov. (CASIZ 184525); (A) Detailed view of the jaw; (B) Radular teeth; (C–D) Baeolidia variabilis sp. nov. (CASIZ 177715); (C) Detailed view of the masticatory border; (D) Radular teeth; (E-F) Baeolidia lunaris sp. nov. (CASIZ 099221); (E) Detailed view of the masticatory border; (F) Radular teeth. Scale bars: A, 30 µm; B, 100 µm; C, 2 µm; D, 10 µm; E, 10 µm; F, 20 µm.

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 8 In Review Of Baeolidia, The Largest Genus Of Aeolidiidae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia), With The Description Of Five New Species

FIGURE 8. Photographs of the living animals. (A) Baeolidia harrietae, specimen from Papua New Gui... more FIGURE 8. Photographs of the living animals. (A) Baeolidia harrietae, specimen from Papua New Guinea, photo by Terrence M. Gosliner; (B) Baeolidia australis, specimen from Australia, photo by Lean and David Atkinson; (C) Baeolidia salaamica, specimen from the Philippines, photo by Terrence M. Gosliner, CASIZ 177599; (D) Baeolidia salaamica, specimen from the Philippines, photo by Terrence M. Gosliner, CASIZ 177397; (E) Baeolidia chaka, specimen from South Africa (6 mm), photo by Terrence M. Gosliner; (F) Baeolidia palythoae, specimen from South Africa (8 mm), photo by Terrence M. Gosliner.

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 7 In Review Of Baeolidia, The Largest Genus Of Aeolidiidae (Mollusca: Nudibranchia), With The Description Of Five New Species

FIGURE 7. Scanning electron photographs. (A–B) Baeolidia ransoni (CASIZ 065417); (A) Detailed vie... more FIGURE 7. Scanning electron photographs. (A–B) Baeolidia ransoni (CASIZ 065417); (A) Detailed view of the masticatory border; (B) Radular teeth; (C–D) Baeolidia salaamica (CASIZ 184524); (C) Detailed view of the masticatory border; (D) Radular teeth. Scale bars: A, 50 µm; B, 100 µm; C, 50 µm; D, 150 µm.

Research paper thumbnail of Rediscovering the overlooked genus Murphydoris (Nudibranchia: Goniodorididae): the first phylogeny and addition of four new species

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2022

Sigurdson (1991) erected the monospecific genus Murphydoris to include the species Murphydoris si... more Sigurdson (1991) erected the monospecific genus Murphydoris to include the species Murphydoris singaporensis. This species differed from the rest of the genera in Goniodorididae by the lack of lamellae on the rhinophores and gill branches around the anus. Since its original description, Murphydoris singaporensis has only been found in Singapore and Thailand. Recently, the paratypes of Murphydoris singaporensis were studied and compared with remaining type species of Goniodorididae, showing that the apomorphies of the genus were unclear and some undescribed species reported as Goniodoridella could belong to Murphydoris. In this study, we examined four undescribed species from the Indo-Pacific region. The internal anatomy was studied by dissections, and electron microscope photographs are included to show details of their radulae, labial cuticles and penises. One specimen was also studied under micro-computed tomography. In addition, mitochondrial and nuclear partial sequences of the ...

Research paper thumbnail of An ocean yet to be discovered: increasing systematic knowledge of Indo-Pacific

Invertebrate Systematics, 2021

Numerous faunistic and ecological studies have been conducted throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean t... more Numerous faunistic and ecological studies have been conducted throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean to assess its biodiversity. Despite the abundance of research, studies on the species that inhabit the Indo-Pacific are still necessary due to its extent and high species richness. The major species richness of the genus Okenia Menke, 1830 (Nudibranchia, Goniodorididae) is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, including 38 of 60 valid species. Nevertheless, this number does not represent the real biodiversity, since at least 20 more species are already reported in field-guides as undescribed species belonging to this genus. The systematics of the genus Okenia are still unclear since it has been the subject of only a few and incomplete studies. In the present paper, we describe five new Okenia species from the coastlines of Japan, Mozambique and Australia: Okenia aurorapapillata sp. nov., Okenia elisae sp. nov., Okenia nakanoae sp. nov., Okenia siderata sp. nov. and Okenia tenuifibrata sp. nov....

Research paper thumbnail of What is really out there? Review of the genus Okenia Menke, 1830 (Nudibranchia: Goniodorididae) in the Mediterranean Sea with description of two new species

Research paper thumbnail of A Spanish dancer? No! A troupe of dancers: a review of the family Hexabranchidae Bergh, 1891 (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia, Nudibranchia)

Organisms Diversity & Evolution

Color ontogeny and variations associated with discrete morphological differences may generate tax... more Color ontogeny and variations associated with discrete morphological differences may generate taxonomical challenges, which requires multiple data types and in-depth historical review. The nudibranch known as the Spanish dancer, Hexabranchus sanguineus, is a classic example with over 200 years of taxonomic confusion. Currently, H. sanguineus is accepted by most authors as a single species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean with Hexabranchus morsomus as a valid species from the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, despite these species being highly studied, their systematic status remains debatable. Over 30 synonyms have been proposed for H. sanguineus and even a distinct genus for H. morsomus. Here we provide, for the first time, a comprehensive review of all proposed names and an integrative taxonomic revision of the genus including morphological and molecular data. Our results reveal that H. sanguineus is a complex of five species: four previously described and an undescribed species, one of the largest...

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 2 in Aeolidia papillosa (Linnaeus, 1761) (Mollusca: Heterobranchia: Nudibranchia), single species or a cryptic species complex? A morphological and molecular study

Figure 2. Phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus Aeolidia based on the combined data set (H3 + COI... more Figure 2. Phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus Aeolidia based on the combined data set (H3 + COI + 16S) inferred by Bayesian analysis (BI). Numbers above branches represent posterior probabilities from BI. Numbers below branches represent bootstrap values from ML. The results from different species delimitation methods are also plotted. Abbreviations: A, ABGD, based on the COI data set, with both models (Jukes Cantor and Kimura); B, number of species based on SplitsTree results; EA, eastern Atlantic Ocean; grey rectangle, Aeolidia papillosa; dashed rectangle, Aeolidia loui sp. nov.; black rectangle, Aeolidia campbellii; pointed rectangle, Aeolidia filomenae sp. nov.