Drusia (Escutiella) alexantoni n. sp. (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Parmacellidae), a new terrestrial slug from the Atlantic coast of Morocco

Abstract

We describe a new parmacellid, Drusia (Escutiella) alexantoni n. sp. from the Moroccan Atlantic coast. The species most closely related to the new taxon are D. (E.) deshayesii and D. (D.) valenciennii. The new parmacellid differs from D. (E) deshayesii mainly by the presence of external spots and bands on both the back and the shield, a reproductive system with uneven atrial appendices of the horn–shaped organ, and a different reticulated pattern of the inner epiphallus. It differs from D. (D.) valenciennii mainly for the appearance of the shell and the pattern and disposition of the bumps inside the penis, the presence of an elbow–shape in this organ, and the reticulated appearance of the inner wall of the epiphallus. An updated dichotomous key of the family Parmacellidae is provided.

Keywords

• Slug
• Parmacellidae
• Drusia (Escutiella) alexantoni
• New species
• Morocco