Molecular investigation and description of Iberozospeum n. gen., including the description of one new species (Eupulmonata, Ellobioidea, Carychiidae)

Abstract The subterranean realm of the Cantabrian-Pyrenean region northern Spain harbours a rich diversity Zospeum . Due to their tiny size and difficulty finding them alive, scarce animal material has been available for scientific investigation. Recent investigations shells have provided valuable, but limited insights towards our understanding evolutionary processes occurring within this taxon in Spain. In an integrative study, we investigate 57 populations from Spanish caves using two mitochondrial (COI 16S) nuclear markers (H3 5.8 S rRNA + ITS2). Revealed is separate radiation species which new genus, Iberozospeum, proposed. independent Dinaric that justifies designation Iberozospeum n. gen. Morphological evidence via histological analysis vasconicum SEM analyses radulae eastern Alpine, Iberian species. Important differences morphological structure character states are presented, including first view sexually mature female presence giant albumen gland individual subterranean, troglobitic Carychiidae. Significant revealed superficial crystallographic columellar lamellae, morphology muscle radula. Radular ribbon length, broadness, straightness base cusp configuration distinctive One described corroborated by genetic characters.