A new genus and new species of springsnails (Gastropoda, Hydrobiidae) from North-East Morocco

Abstract

Recent field surveys on snails conducted in the oriental region of Morocco have led to the discovery of a new species belonging to a new genus, described here as Znassela bnisnasensis gen. et sp. nov. It can be distinguished from the other hydrobiid snails by the morphology of the shell and male anatomy. The new hydrobiid snail differs mainly by its elongated ovate shell with 4.5 whorls, slightly convex with a shallow suture, and by the penis showing a swelling near the penis tip; the latter has two penial appendices located on the same side. Znassela bnisnasensis has been found in the Béni-Snassen massif, considered a Protected Area in the north-eastern part of Morocco and which is a Site of Ecological and Biological Interest (known as SEBI or SIBE). Photographs of the holotype and paratypes are presented, with the penis morphology, habitat and information on its autecology.