Animal Biodiversity and Conservation (Jan 2012)
On the taxonomical identity of some taxa of the Iberian endemic genus Iberus Montfort, 1810 (Gastropoda, Helicidae)
Abstract
To determine the taxonomic identity of some of the species included in the genus Iberus, we reviewed the type series described by Rossmässler (1854) and deposited at the Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum of Frankfurt (Germany). We concluded that Helix alcarazana (currently Iberus alcarazanus) is a junior synonym of Iberus alonensis (Férussac, 1821). The type localities of Helix guiraoana and Helix alcarazana were discussed and modified and the lectotypes of Helix guiraoana, Helix guiraoana var. angustata, Helix alcarazana and Helix loxana were designated. In addition, we reviewed the type series of Helix alonensis Férussac, 1821 (currently Iberus alonensis) deposited at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle of Paris, France and we selected its lectotype. The locality of Alicante has been designated as the restricted type locality of this species.