As a novice, and an Ranellidae (and Personidae) enthusiast, it is my
opinion that those who formally publish (whether right or wrong) have
considerable influence in regards as to what is accepted in regards to
species and subspecies  (Henning & Hemmen - 1993, Piech, 1995,
Beu, 1998).

While there was little difference between H & H and Piech, Alan Beu
added a new chapter to the taxonomy - a chapter that you must
read for yourself to decide where you stand!

Bill Frank
1865 Debutante Dr.
Jacksonville, Florida 32246
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Visit the Jacksonville Shell Club Home Page
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, ----- Original Message -----
From: Betty Jean Piech <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, September 27, 1999 12:08 PM
Subject: What constitutes a subspecies?


> Dear Conch-Lers -
>
> I did not expect any rave notices about my recent contribution regarding
> various cymatium species (nor did it deserve any),  but I was hoping at
> least one person (hopefully more)  would  give me his thoughts as to what
> constitutes a valid species as compared to a geographical subspecies.  Is
> it simply a matter of degree?  Or merely at the whim of the describer?  Or
> is that an unanswerable question?
>
> Betty Jean, The Tall One