On the validity of the genus Strandzhia Georgiev & Glöer, 2013 (Gastropoda: Bythinellidae)

Abstract

The genus Strandzhia Georgiev & Glöer, 2013 (Gastropoda: Bythinellidae) was described from the Strandzha Mountain area in southeastern Bulgaria, with its type species, S. bythinellopenia Georgiev & Glöer, 2013. The species was initially found in a spring near the village of Mladezhko, coexisting with Bythinella dedovi (Glöer & Georgiev 2011). This article addresses the critique by Jaszczyńska et al. (2024), who question the validity of the genus Strandzhia based on two key points: the examination of male specimens from the type locality revealing a penis morphology typical of the genus Grossuana Radoman, 1983, and the sequencing of these specimens confirming their identity with Grossuana. They consequently question the expertise of the original authors regarding penis morphology, concluding the genus is invalid. However, our studies involved dissecting nine male specimens of Strandzhia, confirmed the reported penis morphology. We assert the validity of the genus Strandzhia and the existence of S. bythinellopenia at its type locality, alongside Bythinella and Grossuana species. Future genetic studies are essential for specimens exhibiting the characteristic penis morphology of Strandzhia

Keywords

• gastropods
• rissoidea
• bulgaria