>Hello, Everyone!
>
>I have been wondering about the valid name for this Turbo.
>Some writers raise Subninella to the generic level.
>Others give subninella as the species and undulatus as a
>subspecies.  Can anyone shed some light on the valid name
>for this shell?
>
>Thanks,
>Linda


Genus Subninella, species undulata. It is often
lumped into Turbo so: Turbo (Subninella)
undulatus.

Only two of the Recent species which have
"traditionally" been lumped in Turbo actually
belong there, these being the type species T.
petholatus Linné 1758 and the very similar T.
reevei Philippi 1847. These are distinguished by
a smooth glossy surface quite unlike any other
turbinid. Many so-called Turbo can easily be
placed into other genera by a quick eyeballing;
for instance, Marmarostoma is a particularly
well-defined genus.

New Zealand's own smaller species of "Turbo" used
to be placed in Lunella; however it lacks the
characteristic umbilicus and canal "spout" of
that genus and has a heavy partially-calcified
periostracum. Powell more recently placed it in
Turbo, but it certainly doesn't belong there. My
ovn feeling is that it is probably a Dinassovica,
though it would be necessary to study a small
specimen of D. imperialis with a good early spire
and protoconch to be sure.

Turbo does not occur outside the IndoPacific.

Turbinids can be difficult, hence the retention
by some authors of subfamily Astraeinae. Going on
shell features, small juveniles of the "Turbo"
Modelia granosa are extremely similar to
juveniles of Astraea heliotropium.
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin, New Zealand
64 (3) 473-8863
<[log in to unmask]>
Fossil preparator
Seashell, Macintosh & VW/Toyota van nut
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