Ariopeltinae Sirgel, 1985

Sirgel, W. F., 2012, A new species of Oopeltidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata, Arionoidea), with a revision of the subfamily Ariopeltinae and remarks on its affinities within the family and superfamily, African Invertebrates 53 (2), pp. 527-527 : 529

Subfamily Ariopeltinae Sirgel, 1985

Type genus: Ariopelta Sirgel, 1985 .

Emended diagnosis: Jaw oxygnathous. Radula basically corresponds to arionid type, central tooth tricuspid with mesocone much longer than ectocones, laterals and marginals bicuspid with mesocone long and ectocone much smaller. Mantle granular, with groove extending in shape of horseshoe occasionally discernable in living animals. Pneumostome situated halfway between front and rear ends of mantle. Caudal pore present or absent. Shell coherent, completely covered by mantle, oval and dorsally convex with nucleus at posterior end, surface covered by growth lines and posterior edge curled ventrally to form small ledge at posterior end of concave ventral side. Sole of foot not divided by longitudinal grooves. Retractor muscles of pharynx and tentacles long, with common origin at posterior margin of diaphragm. Retensor muscle absent. Both vagina and free oviduct distinctly longer than very short genital atrium. Proximal end of vagina or entire vagina enlarged to form vaginal bulb joined by spermathecal duct. Inner lining of vaginal bulb folded to form structures intruding into lumen. Subepithelially, these intrusions supported by core consisting of either calcareous or cartilaginous material or connective tissue. Penis consists of three to four successive regions: firstly slender, short, proximal region entered by the vas deferens and onto which penis retractor inserts, has penis papilla in lumen proximally; second and third regions larger, with spine-shaped projections of lining epithelium projecting into lumen and supported by subepithelial core of either calcareous matter or merely connective tissue. When fourth region is present, it consists of more slender duct distally, passing into small genital atrium. Genital aperture ventral to base of upper tentacle on right side.