Melongena bispinosa is also illustrated in "Atlas of Florida Fossil Shells"
(Petuch, 1994), page 157 and "American Seashells" (Abbott, 1974),
colour plate 12, as Melongena corona bispinosa.

If Paul's shell could be a fossil, the identification is not so "secure"
(see the ca. 28 species/subspecies of Melongena Ed illustrated in his
1994 work).

Bill F.

----- Original Message -----
From: Lynn Scheu <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, October 22, 1999 6:07 PM
Subject: Re: Help with ID's


> Paul,
>
> I would have done this earlier, but thought the Melongena ID was secure
> as Andrew called it. Of course if you don't have a picture or
> description, that makes it hard. So I have scanned (this stuff is fun!)
> the photo of Melongena bispinosa for you and anyone else who wants to
> see it. Just email me and I'll send you a copy. It is pictured in Vokes,
> H.E and Vokes E.H.1983. Distribution of Shallow-Water Marine Mollusca,
> Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Mesoamerican Ecology Institute Monograph 1
> and Middle American Research Institute Publication 54. Plate 15.  The
> figure caption reads: Melongena (Rexmela) oispinosa [sic...see, other
> people make typos too!] (Philippi) Height 57 mm. If you want a fuller
> reference and collecting info, let me know.
>
> Lynn Scheu
> Louisville KY
> [log in to unmask]