The Biomphalaria havanensis complex (Gastropoda : Planorbidae) in Cuba: A morphological and genetic study

Conchological, anatomical and genetic characteristics were compared among s everal populations of the Biomphalaria havanensis complex from Cuba and oth er localities in the Caribbean region. Two morphometric measures (height an d diameter) distinguished two closely similar morphs of the shell. The repr oductive system also separated these morphs, particularly upon comparison o f sizes of the penis sheath and the preputium. The two morphological groups differed in 9 to 12 fixed alleles according to population. Further allozym ic data analyzed in the present work confirmed this difference. The results strongly support the assumption that the B. havanensis complex includes tw o distinct species: B, hn,havanensis, for which the type locality is the sw ampy area near the vicinity of Havana, Cuba and Biomphalaria sp. a species which commonly occurs in Cuba and in Dominican Republic. The taxonomic iden tity of Biomphalaria sp. is discussed.