Species Leptochiton laurae Schwabe & Sellanes, 2010
- 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
- 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 (First Australian record for the species)
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
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLYPLACOPHORA | 19-Oct-2023 | ADDED |