Varadia, a new helicarionoidean semi-slug genus from India’s Western Ghats (Stylommatophora: Helicarionoidea)

We here describe a new Indian helicarionoidean genus, Varadia Bhosale & Raheem gen. nov., containing the single species amboliensis Bhosale, Thackeray, Muley et sp. nov. This semi-slug is endemic to northern and central Western Ghats primarily forest-living species. figure shell, reproductive system, radula, spermatophore external morphology of this species, detail its known distribution. explore relationships other helicarionoideans using phylogenetic analyses DNA sequence data for part ribosomal RNA gene cluster discuss genus in relation other, South Indian, taxa. Based on characters particularly male genitalia gametolytic sac, we provisionally place Macrochlamydinae (Ariophantidae). consistent with results our molecular analyses. The combination large size, broad, densely tuberculated shell lobes ca 4 whorls disproportionately body whorl makes V. unique among taxa Ghats. also highly distinctive genitalia.