Anyone interested in Latin and Greek scientific names, particularly what
they mean, simply MUST get:
 
Brown, R.W. 1956. Composition of scientific words. Smithsonian Inst. Press.
 
It is still in print, and costs about $40.00.
 
For instance, a quick look at some muricid names gives:
 
scolopax - a snipe
rhyssus - wrinkled
anceps - two-sided
maurus - dark
peratus - on the opposite side (of Panama than pomum)
incomptus - unadorned
trapa - a caltrop (look it up)
inermis- unarmed
 
A fascinating book.
 
*  G Thomas Watters               *
*  Ohio Biological Survey &       *
*  Aquatic Ecology Laboratory     *
*  Ohio State University          *
*  1315 Kinnear Rd.               *
*  Columbus, OH 43212 USA         *
*  v:614-292-6170 f:614-292-0181  *
 
"The world is my oyster, except for months with an "R" in them" - Firesign
Theater