Addition to the known diversity of Chinese freshwater mussels: integrative description of a new species of Postolata Dai et al., 2023 (Bivalvia, Unionidae, Gonideinae)

In this study, we present a new species of freshwater mussel in the genus Postolata Dai et al., 2023, from Guangxi Province, China, by integrating morphological, anatomical, and molecular data. Postolata longjiangensis Liu & Wu, sp. nov. is distinguished from its congener (i.e., Postolata guangxiensis ) by its shell shape, beak position, surface sculpture, nacre color, and hinge structure. Molecular species delimitation results based on the mitochondrial COI gene support the separation of Postolata longjiangensis Liu & Wu, sp. nov. from its congener. The multi -locus (COI + 16S rRNA + 28S rRNA) phylogeny reveals that this species forms the sister lineage to Postolata guangxiensis in the tribe Gonideini.