A revision of the higher latitude periwinkle species Laevilitorina caliginosa sensu lato

A comprehensive revision of the marine gastropod genus Laevilitorina reveals hidden diversity within the species complex Laevilitorina caliginosa sensu lato, identifying four new species from the Strait of Magellan and Hornos Island. Using molecular and morphological analyses, researchers confirmed L. caliginosa and Laevilitorina venusta as valid taxa, while distinguishing four novel species: Laevilitorina magellanica, Laevilitorina pepita, Laevilitorina fueguina, and Laevilitorina hicana. The study also clarified the geographical distribution of L. venusta across the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and sub-Antarctic Islands, challenging previous records from Macquarie Island. This revision significantly advances our understanding of the evolutionary history and taxonomic diversity of this Southern Hemisphere genus.

Rosenfeld, S., Segovia, N. I., Maturana, C. S., Aldea, C., Saucède, T., Brickle, P., Spencer, H. G., Poulin, E., & González-Wevar, C. A. (2023). A revision of the higher latitude periwinkle species Laevilitorina caliginosa sensu lato. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 202(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad171