Morphological and Molecular Characterization of the Terrestrial Snail Xeropicta krynickii (Krynicki, 1833) (Stylommatophora: Hygromiidae) from Northern Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq

الملخص

This study documents the recording of the snail Xeropicta krynickii (Krynicki, 1833) from northern Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq, during a twelve-month field survey (Sep. 2025 to Aug. 2026). Of 2,162 Hygromiidae snail specimens collected during the survey, only 46 (2.13%) were recorded. These specimens were found exclusively at the Al-Rifai station and only during the month of January (88.89% winter presence). The identification was based on distinctive morphological characteristics, most notably a fully open, wide umbilicus, along with morphometric measurements and their derived ratios. It was confirmed molecularly via the sequencing COI gene. The phylogenetic tree and haplotype network revealed seven genotypes (H1–H7), with the local specimens representing genotypes H4 and H5. Due to the extremely small sample size and its highly localized temporal and spatial distribution. Although restricted temporal occurrence precluded broader ecological inferences, these findings provide a critical baseline for terrestrial malacofaunal biodiversity and molecular documentation in Dhi Qar southern Iraq.