Melanochlamys | |
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Holotype of Melanochlamys miqueli at MNHN, Paris | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Gastropoda |
Subterclass: | Tectipleura |
Order: | Cephalaspidea |
Family: | Aglajidae |
Genus: | Melanochlamys Cheeseman, 1881 [1] |
Type species | |
Melanochlamys cylindricaCheeseman, 1881 | |
Synonyms | |
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Melanochlamys is a genus of headshield slugs in the family Aglajidae. Despite the appearance of its species, this genus must not be confused with nudibranchs. [2]
This genus was first described by Cheeseman in 1881 but later malacologists considered it a junior synonym of Aglaja Renier, 1807, until the genus was reinstated by Rudman in 1972. [3]
It differs from the other genera in Aglajidae by its external cylindrical body form with small parapodia, the shape of its small, curved and strongly calcified shell, its alimentary canal with a rigid, non-eversible buccal bulb, and the reproductive system with a short duct to the exogenous ( = originating from the outside) sperm sac and a characteristic penis. [3]
According to the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), this genus contains the following accepted names: [2]