The Gastrocoptinae of Australia (Gastropoda : Pulmonata : Pupilloidae): Systematics, distribution and origin

Abstract

The Gastrocoptinae of Australia are revised on the basis of over 13 000 specimens from nearly 600 localities. Of 23 nominal species 12 are synonymised; Gastrocopta stupefaciens, sp. nov., and G. solemorum, sp. nov., are described, making a total of 13 species. A key to the species is provided. Pumilicopta Solem, 1989 is reduced to subgeneric rank. Eleven of 13 species are endemic to Australia, one to Australia and New Guinea, and one is recorded from Australia and some Pacific islands. The gastrocoptines inhabit only coastal areas and the 'Red Centre'; only three species are exclusively southern. Relationships with extralimital taxa, based on derived characters of apertural barriers and shell sculpture, indicate that the gastrocoptines colonised Australia at least four times from Asia and adjacent islands. The first immigration may have taken place in the mid-Miocene.