Origins of the Dinaric troglobiotic mussel and its correct taxonomical classification. Congeria or Mytilopsis (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae)?

Abstract

After an analysis of the literature, it is proposed to taxonomically reorder the troglobiotic mussel Congeria kusceri Bole 1962 as Mytilopsis kusceri (Bole 1962). The species had been described and attributed to Congeria when the extant and fossil Mytilopsis spp. were all regarded members of that genus. The position of the cave species within the genus Mytilopsis and Dreisseninae is discussed and its inclusion into Mytilopsis is substantiated. In this way we will avoid further missapprehension in biogeographical and phylogenetic discussions. The cave mussel may further be regarded a relict of the diverse fauna in the Miocene Dinaric Lakes System.

Keywords

• Mollusca
• Bivalvia
• cave fauna
• Congeria kusceri
• taxonomy