• LEPTOCHITONIDAE Dall, 1889.
• LEPIDOPLEURIDAE Pilsbry, 1892.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Jones, A.M. & Baxter, J.M. 1987. Molluscs: Caudofoveata, Solenogastres, Polyplacophora and Scaphopoda: keys and notes for the identification of species. Synopses of the British fauna. New series: no. 37 London : E.J. Brill, Dr. W. Backhuys for the Linnean Society of London pp.154.

Introduction

The Leptochitonidae is a family of small chitons, found worldwide from tropical to polar regions, and from intertidal pools to abyssal depths. Representatives of this family are usually found on, or under, stones in sediments.

The family is characterised by lack of insertion plates, granulose and usually uncoloured tegmentum, and presence of merobranchial gills. Girdle with variously shaped scales, spines and spicules.

General References

Gowlett-Holmes, K.L. 1990. On the taxonomic status of the Australian chiton Parachiton verconis Cotton & Weeding, 1939 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora: Leptochitonidae). Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 114: 95-97

Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp.

Schwabe, E. & Gofas, S. 2009. Leptochitonidae Dall, 1889. In: MolluscaBase (2015). World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=59 (Accessed on 2015-08-17)

History of changes

• Belknapchiton Sirenko, B., Saito, H. & Schwabe, E. 2022. A redescription of Leptochiton belknapi Dall, 1878 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora: Leptochitonidae), the type species of the new genus Belknapchiton. Zootaxa 5205(2): 101-124 [103].

  Type species:

   Leptochiton belknapi Dall, 1878 by original designation.

Distribution

States

South Australia, Tasmania

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34)

History of changes

• Belknapchiton australis Sirenko, B. 2023. A small collection of rare and new chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Zootaxa 5325(3): 359–392.

  Type data:

   Holotype TMAG E45530 (1050–1230m depth, collected via Sherman sled on the Southern Surveyor), South Tasmania Slope, Australia [44.2012°S, 146.1992°E].

Distribution

States

Tasmania

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10)

History of changes

• Leptochiton belknapi Dall, W.H. 1878. Descriptions of new forms of mollusks from Alaska contained in the collections of the National Museum. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 1: 1-3 [Date published 1 July 1878] [1].

  Type data:

   Holotype USNM 30972, North Pacific Ocean [53°08'N 171°19'W].
• Leptochiton benthus Haddon, A.C. 1886. Report on the Polyplacophora collected by H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873–76. Challenger Reports Zoology 15: 1-50 pls 1-3 [Date published 9 Aug. 1886] [10].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1889.11.9.1, H.M.S. Challenger Station 241 [35°41´N 157°42´E].

  Secondary source:

   Ferreira, A.J. 1979. The family Lepidopleuridae (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) in the eastern Pacific. Veliger 22: 145-165.
• Lepidopleurus similis Smith, E.A. 1894. Natural history notes from H.M. Indian Marine Survey Steamer "Investigator", Commander C.F. Oldham, R.N. - Series II., No. 10. Report on some Mollusca dredged in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 6 14(81): 157-174 366-368, pls 3-5 [167].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) whereabouts unknown, off Colombo, 1215 m;
  Status unknown, (whereabouts of types (if any) unknown), off Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1215 m.
• Lepidopleurus mesogonus Dall, W.H. 1902. Illustrations and descriptions of new, unfigured, or imperfectly known shells, chiefly American, in the U.S. National Museum. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 499-566 pls 27-40 [Date published 31 Mar. 1902] [555].

  Type data:

   Holotype USNM 109019, off the Queen Charlotte Ils, British Columbia, Canada.
• Lepidopleurus halistreptus Dall, W.H. 1902. Illustrations and descriptions of new, unfigured, or imperfectly known shells, chiefly American, in the U.S. National Museum. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 499-566 pls 27-40 [Date published 31 Mar. 1902] [556].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) USNM 109032 1 specimen, off Acapulco, Mexico; USNM 109031 1 specimen, off Acapulco, Mexico.
• Lepidopleurus luridus Dall, W.H. 1902. Illustrations and descriptions of new, unfigured, or imperfectly known shells, chiefly American, in the U.S. National Museum. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 24: 499-566 pls 27-40 [Date published 31 Mar. 1902] [556].

  Type data:

   Holotype USNM 109027, Panama Bay.
• Lepidopleurus giganteus Nierstrasz, H.F. 1905. Die Chitonen der Siboga-Expedition. Siboga-Expéditie Report 48: 1-112 pls 1-8 [Date published Jan. 1905] [3].

  Type data:

   Lectotype ZMA, Banda Sea, Indonesia.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Ferreira, A.J. 1979. The family Lepidopleuridae (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) in the eastern Pacific. Veliger 22: 145-165 [157].
• Lepidopleurus simplex Nierstrasz, H.F. 1905. Die Chitonen der Siboga-Expedition. Siboga-Expéditie Report 48: 1-112 pls 1-8 [Date published Jan. 1905] [4].

  Type data:

   Lectotype ZMA, Makassar Strait.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Ferreira, A.J. 1979. The family Lepidopleuridae (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) in the eastern Pacific. Veliger 22: 145-165 [157].
• Lepidopleurus halistreptus abbreviatus Dall, W.H. 1908. Report on the dredging operations of the west coast of Central America, to the Galapagos, to the west coast of Mexico, and in the Gulf of California, in charge of Alexander Agassiz, carried on by the U.S. Fish Comm. Steamer "Albatross", during 1891, Lieut. Commander Z.L. Tanner, U.S.M., commanding, XXXVIII. and Reports on the scientific results of the expedition to the eastern tropical Pacific … etc. XV. The Mollusca and Brachiopoda. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard 43: 205–487, pls 1–22 [354].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) SBMNH 34461 3 specimens, Guerrero, Acapulco, Mexico; USNM 223498 ?1specimen, Guerrero, Acapulco, Mexico.
• Lepidopleurus opacus Dall, W.H. 1908. Report on the dredging operations of the west coast of Central America, to the Galapagos, to the west coast of Mexico, and in the Gulf of California, in charge of Alexander Agassiz, carried on by the U.S. Fish Comm. Steamer "Albatross", during 1891, Lieut. Commander Z.L. Tanner, U.S.M., commanding, XXXVIII. and Reports on the scientific results of the expedition to the eastern tropical Pacific … etc. XV. The Mollusca and Brachiopoda. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard 43: 205–487, pls 1–22 [354].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) USNM 110664, between Galapagos Ils and Peru; SBMNH 34460 1 valve, between Galapagos Ils and Peru.
• Lepidopleurus japonicus Thiele, J. 1909. Revisions des Systems der Chitonen. Zoologica (Stuttgart) 22: 1-70 pls 1-6 [1909] [11].

  Type data:

   Status unknown, whereabouts unknown, Enoshima and Kajiyama, Japan.
• Lepidopleurus japonicus aequivalvis Bergenhayn, J.R.M. 1933. Die Loricaten von Prof. Dr. Sixten Bocks Expedition nach Japan und den Bonin-Inseln 1914. Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps-Academiens Nya Handlingar, Stockholm 12: 1-58 pls 1-3 [Date published 8 Mar. 1933] [4].

  Type data:

   Holotype ZIUU, Sagami Bay, Japan.
• Lepidopleurus aequispinus Bergenhayn, J.R.M. 1933. Die Loricaten von Prof. Dr. Sixten Bocks Expedition nach Japan und den Bonin-Inseln 1914. Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps-Academiens Nya Handlingar, Stockholm 12: 1-58 pls 1-3 [Date published 8 Mar. 1933] [6].

  Type data:

   Holotype ZIUU, Sagami Bay, Japan.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1987. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Suborder Ischnochitonina. Ischnochitonidae: Chaetopleurinae & Ischnochitoninae (pars). Additions to Vols 1 & 2. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 3 302 pp. [23]

Generic Combinations

• Belknapchiton belknapi (Dall, 1878). —
  Sirenko, B., Saito, H. & Schwabe, E. 2022. A redescription of Leptochiton belknapi Dall, 1878 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora: Leptochitonidae), the type species of the new genus Belknapchiton. Zootaxa 5205(2): 101-124 [103] (new combination as type species of the genus Belknapchiton)

Distribution

States

South Australia

Extra Distribution Information

SA, Indo-Pacific Oceans.

IMCRA

Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

General References

Schwabe, E. 2009. Leptochiton belknapi Dall, 1878. In: MolluscaBase (2015). World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=152690 (Accessed on 2015-08-18)

History of changes

• Parachiton opiparus Iredale, T. & Hull, A.F.B. 1925. A monograph of Australian loricates (Phylum Mollusca – Order Loricata). IV. Family Lepidopleuridae. The Australian Zoologist 3(8): 339-362 pls 39-40 [Date published 14 Jan. 1925] [345].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM C32026 (180m depth), off Cape Wiles, SA [34°56’44.3’’S, 135°41’3.3’’E].

Distribution

States

South Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33)

General References

Sirenko, B. 2023. A small collection of rare and new chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Zootaxa 5325(3): 359–392 [371] (Updated description)

History of changes

• Leptochiton Gray, J.E. 1847. Additional observations on Chitones. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1847: 126-127 [Date published 27 July 1847] [127].

  Type species:

   Chiton asellus Gmelin, 1791 (Reported as Chiton cinereus) by subsequent designation, see Gray, J.E. 1847. A list of the Genera of Recent Mollusca, their Synonyms and Types. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 15: 129-242.

Taxonomic Decision for Subgeneric Arrangement

• Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp. [36]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Tasman Basin Province (13), Lord Howe Province (14), Norfolk Island Province (21), Macquarie Island Province (24), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41), Southern Province (8), West Tasmania Transition (9)

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

History of changes

• Lepidopleurus badius Hedley, C. & Hull, A.F.B. 1909. Descriptions of new and notes on other Australian Polyplacophora. Records of the Australian Museum 7: 260-266 pls 73-74 [Date published 30 Aug. 1909] [260].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) AM C30459 2 specimens, Long Reef near Narrabeen, NSW; SAMA D10668 5 specimens, Long Reef, near Narrabeen, NSW; SAMA D12532 1 specimen, Long Reef, near Narrabeen, NSW; NMV F16404 2 specimens, Long Reef, Manly, NSW.
• Lepidopleurus glauerti Ashby, E. 1929. Contributions to the fauna of Rottnest Island. No. II. Polyplacophora. Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Western Australia 15: 47-54 [Date published 27 Mar. 1929] [50].

  Type data:

   Holotype WAM 12878, Bathurst Point, Rottnest Is., WA.
  Paratype(s) WAM 12875 1 specimen; SAMA D16152 1 incomplete specimen, Bathurst Point, Rottnest Is., WA.
• Terenochiton iscus Cotton, B.C. & Weeding, B.J. 1939. Flindersian loricates. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 63: 180-199 pl. 7 [Date published 22 Dec. 1939] [182].

  Type data:

   Holotype SAMA D1232, Cape Jervis, SA.

  Type locality references:

  Zeidler, W. & Gowlett, K.L. 1986. Mollusc type-specimens in the South Australian Museum. 3. Polyplacophora. Records of the South Australian Museum (Adelaide) 19: 97-115.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp. [142]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

General References

Schwabe, E. 2009. Leptochiton badius (Hedley & Hull, 1909). In: MolluscaBase (2015). World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=385779 (Accessed on 2015-08-18)

Sirenko, B. 2020. New Zealand and Australian species of the genus Leptochiton (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Zootaxa 4851(3): 401–449 (Comparison of Tasmanian specimens to Sydney specimens [topotype])

History of changes

• Ischnochiton bednalli Torr, W.G. 1912. South Australian Polyplacophora. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 36: 140-170 pls 5-7 [Date published 31 Dec. 1912] [166].

  Type data:

   Holotype SAMA D11792, St Francis Is., Nuyts Archipelago, SA.

Distribution

States

South Australia, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: G. Aust. Bight, S Gulfs coast, SW coast

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

General References

Schwabe, E. 2009. Leptochiton bednalli (Torr, 1912). In: MolluscaBase (2015). World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=385781 (Accessed on 2015-08-18)

History of changes

• Parachiton collusor Iredale, T. & Hull, A.F.B. 1925. A monograph of Australian loricates (Phylum Mollusca – Order Loricata). IV. Family Lepidopleuridae. The Australian Zoologist 3(8): 339-362 pls 39-40 [Date published 14 Jan. 1925] [346] [nom. nov. for Lepidopleurus profundus Ashby, 1923].

  Type data:

   Holotype SAMA D11288, Gulf St Vincent, SA.
• Lepidopleurus profundus Ashby, E. 1923. Monograph on the Australian Lepidopleuridae Order Polyplacophora, with a description of a new species. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 47: 216-223, 242-243 pls 16-19 [221] [junior homonym of Lepidopleurus profundus May, 1923].

  Type data:

   Holotype SAMA D11288, Gulf St Vincent, SA.
  Paratype(s) SAMA D11691 2 specimens, Port Phillip Bay, VIC.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp. [147]

Distribution

States

South Australia, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: Bass Strait, S Gulfs coast

Ecological Descriptors

Interstitial, sublittoral.

General References

Schwabe, E. 2009. Leptochiton collusor (Iredale & Hull, 1925). In: MolluscaBase (2015). World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=385787 (Accessed on 2015-08-18)

History of changes

• Lepidopleurus columnarius Hedley, C. & May, W.L. 1908. Mollusca from one hundred fathoms, seven miles off Cape Pillar, Tasmania. Records of the Australian Museum 7: 108-125, pls 22-25 [123].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM C29060, off Cape Pillar, TAS.
  Paratype(s) SAMA D10667 2 valves, off Cape Pillar, TAS; SAMA D15679 5 valves, off Cape Pillar, TAS.
• Lepidopleurus pelagicus Torr, W.G. 1912. South Australian Polyplacophora. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 36: 140-170 pls 5-7 [Date published 31 Dec. 1912] [165].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) SAMA D11688 3 valves, off Cape Jaffa, SA.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp. [138]

Distribution

States

South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Tasman Basin Province (13), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Southern Province (8), West Tasmania Transition (9)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: Bass Strait, S Gulfs coast
  • 200 mile fishing zone: S oceanic, SE oceanic

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

General References

Schwabe, E. 2009. Leptochiton columnarius (Hedley & May, 1908). In: MolluscaBase (2015). World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=385788 (Accessed on 2015-08-18)

History of changes

• Terenochiton fairchildi Iredale, T. & Hull, A.F.B. 1929. The loricates of the Neozelanic region. Part I (Continued). Part II. The Australian Zoologist 6: 75-95 pls 9-10 [Date published 13 Aug. 1929] [79].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM C46625, Macquarie Is.

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Macquarie Island Province (24)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

General References

Schwabe, E. 2009. Leptochiton fairchildi (Iredale & Hull, 1929). In: MolluscaBase (2015). World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=385794 (Accessed on 2015-08-18)

Sirenko, B. 2020. New Zealand and Australian species of the genus Leptochiton (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Zootaxa 4851(3): 401–449 (Additional specimens studied and compared to holotype)

History of changes

• Leptochiton gowlettholmesae Sirenko, B. 2023. A small collection of rare and new chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Zootaxa 5325(3): 359–392.

  Type data:

   Holotype TMAG E45530 (1450m depth, obtained by dredging), 744 Seamount, Huon Marine Park, South of Tasmania, Southern Ocean [44.3511°S, 147.2868°E].
  Paratype(s) TMAG E45531 (1520m depth, obtained by dredging), Fracture Marine Park, Southern Ocean, South of Tasmania [45.1345°S, 146.0161°E].

Distribution

States

Tasmania

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10)

History of changes

• Leptochiton kerguelensis Haddon, A.C. 1886. Report on the Polyplacophora collected by H.M.S. Challenger during the years 1873–76. Challenger Reports Zoology 15: 1-50 pls 1-3 [Date published 9 Aug. 1886] [12].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1889.11.9.4, Balfour Bay, Royal Sound, Kerguelen Is.
• Leptochiton pagenstecheri Pfeffer, G. 1886. Polyplacophora. In von Martens, E. & Pfeffer, G. Die Mullusken von Süd-Georgien. Jahrbuch der Hamburgischen Wissenschaftlichen Anstalten 3: 103-109 pl. 3 [107].

  Type data:

   Status unknown, whereabouts unknown, South Georgia.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp. [78]

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Heard Is., Antarctica to Subantarctic, southern circumpolar.

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Antarctic Region

• Australian Antarctic Territory
• Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

General References

Schwabe, E. 2009. Leptochiton kerguelensis Haddon, 1886. In: MolluscaBase (2015). World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=385808 (Accessed on 2015-08-18)

History of changes

• Leptochiton laurae Schwabe, E. & Sellanes, J. 2010. Revision of Chilean bathyal chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) associated with cold-seeps, including description of a new species of Leptochiton (Leptochitonidae). Organisms, Diversity and Evolution 10: 31–55.

  Type data:

   Holotype ZSM Mol 20070760 (846m depth), Chile, off Concepción [36º22.19′S, 73º43.36′W].
  Paratype(s) ZSM Mol 20041046, Mol 20041047, Mol 20041459, Mol 20041462, Mol 20041460, Mol 20070688, Mol 20070756, same data as Holotype; MNHN 6614–6616, same data as Holotype.

Introduction

Sirenko (2020) identified specimens from New Zealand only as Leptochiton cf. laurae due to some differences to the holotype and previously studied specimens from the South Shetland Islands by Sirenko (2015). Sirenko (2020) noted that the New Zealand specimens had only 1 or 2 longitudinal ribs on the dorsal scales whereas the Chilean holotype had 6-8 ribs on the dorsal scales. Notably, Sirenko (2020) suggested the the number of ribs on the dorsal scales is variable within the species. He also notes that the New Zealand specimens have 1-2 ribs on their scales, whereas those from Chile have 3 ribs, and those from South Shetland Island have smooth scales. Additionally, he notes that the New Zealand specimens have a longer antemucronal area and rounded valves as compared to previously studied specimens.

Sirenko (2023) reports the species from Australian waters for the first time. He notes that the Australian specimens differs slightly from the Chilean specimens in the possession of smooth dorsal scales, although he again attributes the difference to intraspecific variation. In this study, it also appears that he confirms the identity of the New Zealand specimens as Leptochiton laurae (previously Leptochiton cf. laurae).

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Heard Island - HIMI-Aurora Bank, cruise SC 26, 52.5969°S, 71.9952°E, 310m depth, TMAG E26178

Other Regions

Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Distribution References

General References

Sirenko, B. 2015. Shallow and deep-sea chitons of the genus Leptochiton Gray, 1847 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora: Lepidopleurida) from Peruvian and Chilean waters. Zootaxa 4033(2): 151–202

Sirenko, B. 2020. New Zealand and Australian species of the genus Leptochiton (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Zootaxa 4851(3): 401–449

History of changes

• Terenochiton liratellus Iredale, T. & Hull, A.F.B. 1925. A monograph of Australian loricates (Phylum Mollusca – Order Loricata). IV. Family Lepidopleuridae. The Australian Zoologist 3(8): 339-362 pls 39-40 [Date published 14 Jan. 1925] [342].

  Type data:

   Holotype whereabouts unknown (not in QM, possibly lost (Stanisic pers. comm.)), Point Cartwright, QLD.
  Paratype(s) AM C149661 5 specimens, Point Cartwright, QLD.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: Central E coast, NE coast

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

General References

Schwabe, E. 2009. Leptochiton liratellus (Iredale & Hull, 1925). In: MolluscaBase (2015). World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=385811 (Accessed on 2015-08-18)

History of changes

• Lepidopleurus liratus Adams, H. & Angas, G.F. 1864. Descriptions of new genera and species of Chitonidae from the Australian seas, in the collection of George French Angas. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1864: 192-194 [Date published 10 May 1864] [192].

  Type data:

   Neotype AM C10410, Hardwicke Bay, SA.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Iredale, T. & Hull, A.F.B. 1925. A monograph of Australian loricates (Phylum Mollusca – Order Loricata). IV. Family Lepidopleuridae. The Australian Zoologist 3(8): 339-362 pls 39-40 [Date published 14 Jan. 1925].
• Lepidopleurus profundus May, W.L. 1923. Illustrated Index of Tasmanian shells. Supplementary to the check list issued in 1921. Hobart : Government Printer 100 pp. [Appendix pl. 14, No. 2].

  Type data:

   
  Paratype(s); SAMA D11691 2 specimens;
  Syntype(s) SAMA D11288, Gulf St Vincent, SA; SAMA D12533 1 specimen, Pilot Station, Derwent River, TAS; SAMA D16189 1 specimen, Pilot Station, Derwent River, TAS.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp. [136]

Distribution

States

South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

Extra Ecological Information

On rocks/stones in sand pockets on reef.

General References

Sirenko, B. 2020. New Zealand and Australian species of the genus Leptochiton (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Zootaxa 4851(3): 401–449

Sirenko, B. 2023. A small collection of rare and new chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Zootaxa 5325(3): 359–392 (Confirmation of identification of specimens held at the TMAG)

History of changes

• Lepidopleurus matthewsianus Bednall, W.T. in Bednall, W.T. & Matthews, E.H.V. 1906. On new species of Polyplacophora from South Australia. Proceedings of the Malacological Society of London 7: 91-92 pl. 9 [Date published 29 June 1906] [92].

  Type data:

   Neotype SAMA D13734, Gulf St Vincent, SA.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Cotton, B.C. & Godfrey, F.K. 1940. The Molluscs of South Australia. Part 2. Scaphopoda, Cephalopoda, Aplacophora and Crepipoda. Adelaide : Government Printer 600 pp. [476].
• Lepidopleurus matthewsi Tate, R. & May, W.L. 1901. A revised census of the marine Mollusca of Tasmania. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 26(3): 344-471 [412] [nom. nud.].
• Lepidopleurus niger Torr, W.G. 1911. Western Australian Polyplacophora. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 35: 94-107 pls 24-25 [Date published 31 Dec. 1911] [105].

  Type data:

   Holotype SAMA D11686 incomplete, Hopetoun, WA.
• Terenochiton erratus Hull, A.F.B. 1923. New Australian Polyplacophora, and notes on the distribution of certain species. The Australian Zoologist 3: 157-166 pls 24-26 [Date published 15 Aug. 1923] [159].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM C49541, Rabbit (=Mistaken) Is., King George Sound, WA.
  Paratype(s) NMV F17982 2 specimens, Rabbit (=Mistaken) Is., King George Sound, WA; AM C156829 1 specimen, Rabbit (=Mistaken) Is., King George Sound, WA.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp. [137]

Distribution

States

South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

Extra Ecological Information

Under stones in sand.

General References

Sirenko, B. 2020. New Zealand and Australian species of the genus Leptochiton (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Zootaxa 4851(3): 401–449 (Tasmanian specimens examined)

History of changes

• Terenochiton sperandus Iredale, T. & Hull, A.F.B. 1925. A monograph of Australian loricates (Phylum Mollusca – Order Loricata). IV. Family Lepidopleuridae. The Australian Zoologist 3(8): 339-362 pls 39-40 [Date published 14 Jan. 1925] [342].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM C126815, off Ulladulla, NSW.

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • 200 m bathymetric: Lower E coast

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

History of changes

• Parachiton Thiele, J. 1909. Revisions des Systems der Chitonen. Zoologica (Stuttgart) 22: 1-70 pls 1-6 [1909] [14] [introduced as a subgenus of Lepidopleurus Risso, 1826].

  Type species:

   Lepidopleurus (Parachiton) acuminatus Thiele, 1909 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia

IMCRA

Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Other Regions

Torres Strait Islands terrestrial, marine & freshwater

History of changes

• Parachiton capricornicus Iredale, T. & Hull, A.F.B. 1925. A monograph of Australian loricates (Phylum Mollusca – Order Loricata). IV. Family Lepidopleuridae. The Australian Zoologist 3(8): 339-362 pls 39-40 [Date published 14 Jan. 1925] [345].

  Type data:

   Lectotype AM C21771, Masthead Reef, Capricorn Group, QLD.
  Paralectotype(s) AM C149664 5 valves; AM C149664 5 valves, Masthead Is., Capricorn Group, QLD.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

QLD, Coral Sea.

IMCRA

Northeast Shelf Province (40), Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

History of changes

• Parachiton litoreus Iredale, T. & Hull, A.F.B. 1925. A monograph of Australian loricates (Phylum Mollusca – Order Loricata). IV. Family Lepidopleuridae. The Australian Zoologist 3(8): 339-362 pls 39-40 [Date published 14 Jan. 1925] [344].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM C29622, Murray Is., Torres Strait, QLD.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Northeast Shelf Transition (41)

Other Regions

Torres Strait Islands terrestrial, marine & freshwater

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

History of changes

• Parachiton puppis Hull, A.F.B. 1923. New Australian Polyplacophora, and notes on the distribution of certain species. The Australian Zoologist 3: 157-166 pls 24-26 [Date published 15 Aug. 1923] [158].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM C49540, Bottle and Glass Point, Vaucluse, NSW.
  Paratype(s) AM C149663 1 specimen, Bottle and Glass Rocks, Vaucluse,Port Jackson, NSW.
• Parachiton verconis Cotton, B.C. & Weeding, B.J. 1939. Flindersian loricates. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 63: 180-199 pl. 7 [Date published 22 Dec. 1939] [183].

  Type data:

   Holotype SAMA D11689 1 valve, St Francis Is., Nuyts Archipelago, SA.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Gowlett-Holmes, K.L. 1990. On the taxonomic status of the Australian chiton Parachiton verconis Cotton & Weeding, 1939 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora: Leptochitonidae). Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 114: 95-97 [95]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, South Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IMCRA

Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

Extra Ecological Information

In sand.

History of changes

• Terenochiton Iredale, T. 1914. The chiton fauna of the Kermadec Islands. Proceedings of the Malacological Society of London 11: 25-51 pl. 2 [Date published Mar. 1914] [28].

  Type species:

   Lepidopleurus (Terenochiton) subtropicalis Iredale, 1914 (=Leptochiton norfolcensis) by original designation.

Distribution

IMCRA

Lord Howe Province (14), Norfolk Island Province (21)

History of changes

• Lepidopleurus norfolcensis Hedley, C. & Hull, A.F.B. 1912. The Polyplacophora of Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 37: 271-281 pls 11-13 [Date published 29 May 1912] [273].

  Type data:

   Lectotype AM C33111, Norfolk Is.
  Paralectotype(s) AM C149665 1 specimen, Norfolk Is.; AM C149665 1 specimen.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp. [151].
• Lepidopleurus catenatus Hedley, C. & Hull, A.F.B. 1912. The Polyplacophora of Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 37: 271-281 pls 11-13 [Date published 29 May 1912] [273].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) AM C33110 5 specimens, Lord Howe Is.
• Lepidopleurus (Terenochiton) subtropicalis Iredale, T. 1914. The chiton fauna of the Kermadec Islands. Proceedings of the Malacological Society of London 11: 25-51 pl. 2 [Date published Mar. 1914] [28].

  Type data:

   Holotype CMNZ, Sunday Is., Kermadec Ils.
  Paratype(s) RMNH 55486; AM C149666 1 specimen, Kermadec Ils.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Kaas, P. & Van Belle, R.A. 1985. Monograph of Living Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Order Neoloricata: Lepidopleurina. Leiden : E.J. Brill/Dr W. Backhuys Vol. 1 240 pp. [151]

Generic Combinations

• Terenochiton norfolcensis (Hedley & Hull, 1912).

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Kermadec Ils.

IMCRA

Lord Howe Province (14), Norfolk Island Province (21)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Lord Howe Island
  • Norfolk Island

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, sublittoral.

Extra Ecological Information

Under stones.

History of changes