Phylogenetic systematics and zoogeography of Australian nudibranchs

Abstract

The aeolid Godiva quadricolor (Barnard, 1927) is newly recorded from Australia on the basis of a population in southwestern Australia. It was first observed about 1980 and it is apparently presently restricted to the Fremantle-Cockbum Sound area. Shipping offers the most plausible explanation for transportation of the original stock from southern Africa. A complete anatomical description is provided to enable its future recognition. The genus Godiva Macnae, 1954, which is redefined and its scope restricted to embrace two (probably three) species, is relatively advanced within both the superfamily Aeolidoidea and family Facelinidae. At present the penial spine is the only character that can be identified as an autapomorphy, but it is suggested that, in fact, a suite of apomorphies relating to the penial spine and jaw ornamentation do exist. Eight other aeolids that have been included in Godiva at one time or another are discussed and excluded. Although apparently derived from the Facelinidae Vayssière, 1888, the Glaucidae Férussac, 1822 deserves separate familial ranking because of numerous apomorphies acquired during the evolution of its novel pleustonic life style. Phidianidae Odhner in Franc in Grassé, 1968 is confirmed as a junior synonym of Facelinidae.