Shalom Emilio Jorge,
I guess this is all part of the endless discussion between splitters and
lumpers, but in Lorenz& Hubert's book on Cowries (1993) three recent species
are mentioned (Umbilia armeniaca, capricornica - Lorenz 1989 and hesitata)
as well as one geographical subspecies (Umbilia hesitata beddomei).  Umbilia
hesitata (as well as U. h. beddomei) has a albionic form or variation:
howelli.
Lorenz' book does not explain the names given to forms (only to species and
subspecies, and I do not have Dr. Heiman's new book on the meaning of Cowrie
names on hand at the moment, but I believe it can provide an explanation to
the name howelli.

Moshe Erlendur Okon
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Jerusalem, Israel