Abstract
Invertebrate coral predators can have a great impact on coral reef communities. Understanding the taxonomy of these corallivorous species, their distributions, behaviour, and ecology, is crucial for effective management of coral reefs. The six currently recognised species of Drupella (Gastropoda: Muricidae) occur in the Indo-Pacific, where they are predominantly obligate corallivores, and three of these species, including D. cornus, are sometimes associated with high levels of coral reef destruction when in elevated densities. Here, we used an integrative approach to delimit species of Drupella. We found evidence to support the presence of two species within the described species D. cornus, one which is widespread across the Indian Ocean and another that is widespread across the Pacific Ocean. We also found support for a previous suggestion that separated D. margariticola into ‘oceanic’ and ‘continental’ species. Our results also show wider geographic distribution for D. fragum and document new distribution records for D. eburnea on the Great Barrier Reef. These findings demonstrate the need for further research to understand the ecological differences between these species. Furthermore, it is important to assess the causes of proposed distributional changes in high-impact Drupella species, including the potential influence of increasing water temperatures.
