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Three new genera and five new species of Helicarionidae from southeastern Australia (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora: Helicarionoidea)

ISABEL T. HYMAN 1,2,3
1 School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; isabelpalethorpe@yahoo.com.au
2 Sydney University Biological Informatics and Technology Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
3 Australian Museum, 6 College St Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia

Three new genera (Brevisentis, Sheaia, Levidens) and five new species (Peloparion iridis, Brevisentis atratus, Nitor wiangariensis, Sheaia glenrockensis, Levidens ponderi) of Australian Helicarionidae are described, based on morphological characters. The taxa can be distinguished primarily by features of the reproductive system, particularly the epiphallic retractor caecum and flagellum, the length of the vagina and the interior of the penis. Other important characters include the radular teeth, shell shape and body colouration. The phylogenetic relationships of these species are not clear, and further sampling and (where possible) DNA sequencing and analysis will be required to resolve their taxonomic positions.

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