Taxonomia, morfologia e distribuição geográfica das espécies incluídas em Hypselartemon Wenz, 1947 (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Streptaxidae)

Abstract

The Streptaxidae family, constituted by carnivorous land snails molluscs, has circuntropical distribution and is strongly represented in Brazil, with an estimative of 60 living species described. Taxonomic and morphological problems embracing the Brazilian species are still common, making the specific identification and generic characterizations a difficult task. The genus Hypselartemon Wenz, 1947, originally described as subgenus of Rectartemon H. B. Baker, 1925, includes species diagnosed by shell characteristics, notably the spire height. Hypselartemon alveus (Dunker, 1845), H. contusulus (Férussac, 1827), H. deshayesianus (Crosse, 1863) and H. paivanus (Pfeiffer, 1867) had their taxonomy and morphology studied, with data of soft parts when possible, aiming to improve generic characterizations and furnish data for future systematic studies in Streptaxidae. The original geographical distribution proposed for Hypselartemon, Brazil and Colombia, was discussed based on collects information and molluscs collections, providing data which suggested a generic endemism in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Biological data of Streptaxidae were analyzed by its traditional importance to the Pulmonata sistematics, notably the carnivorous taxa.