Description of two new species of the genus Trochus Linnaeus, 1758 (Gastropoda, Trochidae) from the South China Sea

Two new species of the gastropod family Trochidae, Trochus nanhai sp. nov. and Trochus parvus sp. nov., are described from the South China Sea. Morphological comparisons and species delimitation analyses based on molecular phylogeny support the distinctiveness of the two species. Trochus nanhai sp. nov. exhibits substantial variation in shell morphology, which increases the difficulty of morphological characterization.

Nevertheless, it can be distinguished by diagnostic characters such as the presence and arrangement of pustules along the suture of each whorl. Additionally, multiple species delimitation methods (ASAP, ABGD, bPTP and GMYC) revealed potential taxonomic inconsistencies within previously identified Trochus species. To assist visualization and facilitate future taxonomic studies, we applied 3 D modeling techniques and extracted geometric morphometric parameters of two new species.

Detailed morphological descriptions, diagnostic characters, illustrations, and 3 D models are provided. This study enhances our understanding of Trochus diversity and taxonomy.