A new species of vermetid Dendropoma mejillonensis sp. nov. (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda, Vermetidae) from northern Chile.

Dendropoma mejillonensis sp. nov. is described based on morphology for the first time. This vermetid gastropod inhabits the rocky subtidal zone of Peninsula Mejillones in northern Chile. In July 2006, specimens were collected by SCUBA divers from the rocky Anemones Wall (23o2817.30S, 70o3713.80W) at 17 m depth. The morphology of D. mejillonensis is distinguished from that of other members of the family by its pointed lip on the external border of the protoconch and the two white bands on the head tentacles. This extends the geographical range of the genus Dendropoma into the Southeastern Pacific. The present species D. mejillonensis is the only known vermetid gastropod able to thrive under the cold upwelling conditions of the Humboldt Current ecosystem off northern Chile.