An in silico assessment of molecular phylogenetic affinities of Laevicaulis alte (Gastropoda: Systellommatophora) as determined by partial mitochondrial COI sequences

Abstract

Invertebrate species contribute invisibly and precisely for the perpetual rejuvenation of habitats and hence it is of prime significance to appraise their phylogenetic affinities. The present analysis is emphasized on the molecular phylogenetic relationships of a tropical leather leaf slug Laevicaulis alte (Class: Gastropoda, Order: Systellommatophora) recovered from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (India) using mitochondrial gene namely COI (Cytochrome oxidase subunit I) and inferred that the chosen species nested within the Veronicellidae taxa and also observed that L. alte is more closely related to its conspecifics across the Indian subcontinent. Our in-silico observation supported for the monophyly of Veronicellidae taxa.