Aphelodoris, BERGH, 1879

Valdés, Ángel, 2002, A phylogenetic analysis and systematic revision of the cryptobranch dorids (Mollusca, Nudibranchia, Anthobranchia), Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 136 (4), pp. 535-636 : 579-582

GENUS APHELODORIS BERGH, 1879

Aphelodoris Bergh, 1879: 107–108 . Type species: Aphelodoris antillensis Bergh, 1879 , by monotypy.

Diagnosis

Body soft, lacking integumentary spicules. Dorsum smooth, with no tubercles. Anterior border of the foot grooved but not notched. Head with two large and grooved lateral prolongations. Labial cuticle lacking rodlets. Radula composed of simple, hamate teeth. The innermost teeth may be simple or denticulate. Reproductive system with a tubular, granular and simple prostate. Penis and vagina unarmed. Vestibular or accessory glands absent.

Remarks

The genus Aphelodoris was introduced by Bergh (1879) for Aphelodoris antillensis Bergh, 1879 , the type species by monotypy. According to Bergh (1879) Aphelodoris is very similar in body shape to the chromodorids, but it differs from this latter group in having a narrow mantle margin and a short posterior end of the foot. Other differences include the shape of the oral tentacles, which are grooved, and the presence of multipinnate branchial leaves. Internally the differences are even more obvious, with the absence of jaws and the presence of a single blood gland. Bergh (1879) regarded Aphelodoris as a member of the family Chromodorididae , but Odhner (see Franc, 1968) later transferred it to the family Asteronotidae .