Prophysaon dubium Cockerell, 1890, the papillose taildropper (Gastropoda: Arionidae): distribution and anatomy

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Leonard, William P.; Chichester, Lyle; Ovaska, Kristiina

Source:

Nautilus, The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, Volume 117, Issue 2, p.62-67 (2003)

Call Number:

A03LEO02IDUS

URL:

http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/pdf4/051491600034895.pdf

Keywords:

Papillose Taildropper, Prophysaon dubium, SWAP

Abstract:

Geographic distributions of many species of native forest slugs in western North America are poorly known. We report on two new records of Prophysaon dubium Cockerell, 1890, from the Rocky Mountains in northern Idaho. These records represent a disjunct population from the remainder of the species range in the Cascade Mountains and along the Pacific coast of northwestern North American, and the easternmost distribution records for the species. The genitalia of the dissected specimens from Idaho were similar to previous illustrations of specimens from Oregon and California and to dissected specimens from Oregon and Washington. We believe that the gross anatomy of the genitalia is sufficiently similar to warrant the treatment of the specimens from all areas as a single species. However, the possibility that the geographically disjunct populations represent cryptic species cannot be ruled out without further study.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation (with word removed):
Leonard WP, Chichester L, Ovaska K. 2003. Prophysaon dubium Cockerell, 1890, the papillose taildropper (Gastropoda: Arionidae): distribution and anatomy. Nautilus. 117(2):62–67.