Molecular phylogeny of some taxa within the tribe Cernuellini Schileyko, 1991 (Geomitridae, Helicellinae), from Tunisia, with description of <i>Sabessebia</i> nov. gen.

The phylogenetic position of some snail taxa within the tribe Cernuellini is presented based on two mitochondrial (COI and 16S rDNA) and two nuclear (H3 and 5.8S rDNA-ITS2-28S rDNA) markers. For the first time, genetic data of the type species of <i>Cernuella</i>, <i>Cochlea virgata</i> Da Costa, from one of its type areas in England is collected. <i>Cernuella virgata</i> from England is monomorphic for all markers used. The results corroborate the position of the Tunisian genus <i>Xeroplana</i> as a member of the Cernuellini, and its separation from <i>Cernuella</i> on genus level. A short characterization of the species confined to <i>Xeroplana</i> is presented. A new genus, <i>Sabessebia</i> nov. gen. endemic for the semi-arid region of Tunisia and Libya, could be established as a genus separate from <i>Cernuella</i>. The new genus is proposed for <i>Helix zitanica</i> Letourneux &amp; Bourguignat, a list of synonymous taxa is provided. The position of <i>Helix caruanae</i> Kobelt, from Malta in the genus <i>Cernuella</i> could be verified. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6E05C695-ABE1-40C6-81EC-1976FE4C2055