A phylogenetic analysis and systematic revision of the cryptobranch dorids (Mollusca, Nudibranchia, Anthobranchia)
Author
Valdés, Ángel
text
Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society
2002
2002-12-31
136
4
535
636
https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article-lookup/doi/10.1046/j.1096-3642.2002.00039.x
journal article
10.1046/j.1096-3642.2002.00039.x
8acc9095-eaff-47d7-b3da-91b6c2fb636e
0024-4082
4634200
GENUS
CONUALEVIA
COLLIER & FARMER, 1964
Conualevia
Collier & Farmer, 1964: 381
.
Type
species:
Conualevia marcusi
Collier & Farmer, 1964
, by original designation.
Diagnosis
Dorsum covered with simple tubercles, stiffened by integumentary spicules, which do not protrude from the dorsal surface. Mantle glands present. Head with two lateral prolongations. Rhinophores almost smooth, with several irregular and inconspicuous lamellae. Anterior border of the foot grooved but not notched. Radula composed of simple, hamate teeth. Reproductive system with a tubular, granular and simple prostate. Penis and vagina devoid of hooks. Vestibular or accessory glands absent.
Remarks
Collier & Farmer (1964)
described the genus
Conualevia
as being different from other dorids due to the presence of smooth rhinophores. Other distinctive characteristics are the minutely papillose notum, the short oral tentacles (lateral prolongations), the radula without rachidian teeth, the absence of jaws and the penis unarmed. Internally,
Conualevia
is characterized by having a semiserial seminal receptacle, described by
Collier & Farmer (1964)
as an X pattern at the end of a long vaginal duct. Two species were originally introduced,
Conualevia marcusi
Collier & Farmer, 1964
, the
type
species by original designation, and
C. alba
Collier & Farmer, 1964
, both of them from the Pacific coast of North America.
Since then, no more species have been assigned to the genus
Conualevia
, which remained in use for these two species. The single synapomorphy of this genus is the presence of smooth rhinophores. According to the phylogenetic analysis carried out here, this appears to be a monophyletic group.