Review of the Genus Habeas from Brazil, with Description of Four New Species and in Which Anatomical Features Revealed That They Belong to Urocoptidae (Eupulmonata, Stylommatophora)

Abstract

ABSTRACT South American land snails are relatively poorly known, but their taxonomic relationships can be illuminated with the help of detailed anatomical descriptions and comparisons. The genus Habeas Simone, 2013, species of which are associated with caves, was tentatively described in the prosobranch family Diplommatinidae. Recently collected samples that permitted anatomical investigation, revealed that Habeas actually belongs to the eupulmonate family Urocoptidae. The genus is thus reviewed, including the three so far known species: H. corpus, H. data and H. priscus, all Simone, 2013. Four new species collected in Brazil are described: Habeas lekolus (from Cônego Marinho, Minas Gerais), H. peruassus (from Januária, Minas Gerais), H. lapensis (from Bom Jesus da Lapa, Bahia) and H. claudus (from Cocos, Bahia). Anatomical description is based on H. lekolus, revealing in its most interesting features, the absence of the ureter, presence of a pallial gland, lack of anterior duct to digestive gland, small penis and epiphallus, and absence of bursa copulatrix. Species in this genus usually inhabit cave habitats and are only found in Bahia (BA) and Minas Gerais (MG) Brazilian states, in areas close to São Francisco River. A brief discussion of the family attribution to Habeas is also performed. The present seven species in a genus recently discovered in a relatively small area demonstrate how weak the knowledge on the Brazilian malacofauna is.