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In this study we analyze the calcarean sponge diversity of the Adriatic Sea, the type locality of some of the first described species of calcarean sponges. Morphological and molecular approaches are combined for the taxonomic identification. Our results reveal six species new to science and provisionally endemic to the Adriatic Sea (Ascandra spalatensis sp. nov., Borojevia croatica sp. nov., Leucandra falakra sp. nov., L. spinifera sp. nov., Paraleucilla dalmatica sp. nov., and Sycon ancora sp. nov.), one species previously known only from the Southwestern Atlantic (Clathrina conifera), and three already known from the Adriatic Sea (Ascaltis reticulum, Borojevia cerebrum, and Clathrina primordialis). We confirm the presence of the alien species Paraleucilla magna in the Adriatic and again record Clathrina blanca, C. clathrus, and C. rubra. We emend the description of the genus Ascaltis, propose a lectotype for Borojevia cerebrum and synonymise B. decipiens with B. cerebrum. A checklist of all calcarean species previously and currently known from the Adriatic Sea (39 species) is given. The Central Adriatic is indicated as the richest calcarean sponge fauna sector; however, the biodiversity of this class is underestimated in the whole Adriatic Sea and new systematic surveys are desirable.
Nemastoma bidentatum Roewer, 1914 is a complex of closely related litter-dwelling harvestmen, characterized by a penis glans with two pairs of lateral lancet-like spines, and a femur IV with a saw-like series of pointed tubercles. Here we a) revise the hitherto known taxa within the N. bidentatum complex, and b) analyze in detail the relations among the taxa in Slovenia. The study revealed that the N. bidentatum complex consists of four species: N. bidentatum Roewer, 1914 s. str., N. relictum Gruber & Martens, 1968 stat. nov., N. pluridentatum (Hadži, 1973) stat. nov. and N. kozari Novak, Kozel, Podlesnik & Raspotnig sp. nov. Moreover, N. bidentatum s. str. consists of six subspecies: N. bidentatum bidentatum Roewer, 1914, N. bidentatum sparsum Gruber & Martens, 1968, N. bidentatum gruberi Novak, Slana Novak, Kozel & Raspotnig ssp. nov., N. bidentatum martensi Novak, Slana Novak & Raspotnig ssp. nov., N. bidentatum schmidti Novak, Raspotnig & Slana Novak ssp. nov. and N. bidentatum sneznikensis Novak, Komposch, Slana Novak & Raspotnig ssp. nov. In Slovenia, the six subspecies of N. bidentatum form a parapatric complex around N. bidentatum schmidti. Hybrids occur in the contact zones between adjacent subspecies, but they are missing between distant subspecies. The taxonomic distinction of lineages / subspecies is congruent with their distribution patterns. With six of the nine taxa present, Slovenia is considered the center of the N. bidentatum complex speciation. At the time being, this complex is the most diversified harvestman group on a subspecific and young-species level and provides important details on speciation processes in Opiliones.