In a recent report (Vermeij, G. J., 1998.  Generic revision of the
neogastropod family Pseudolividae. Nautilus 111(2): 53-84, Feb. 17),
Strepsidura (type S. turgida (Solander in Brander, 1766)) was acknowledged
as the type genus of Strepturidae (note spelling) Cossmann, 1901.  Vermeij
separated this family from the Pseudolividae Cossmann, 1901 by its lack of a
pseudolivid groove (a narrow but distinct subperipheral trench), lack of a
labral (outer lip) tooth, and the presence of a reflected parietal callus.
 
Vermeij placed the Psedolividae in the Muricoidea and just stopped short of
assigning the Strepturidae to the vicinity of the Olividae (Volutoidea?)
based on the conchological similarity of strepturids to the Recent (Southern
African) Melampium, the anatomy of which is close to olivid (Kantor, Y.,
1991 On the morphology and relationships of some oliviform gastropods.
Ruthenica 1: 17-52.).
 
These papers illustrate the value of combining conchological (which includes
fossils), soft anatomical, and molecular (the latter two essentially limited
to living taxa) perspectives in constructing phylogenies. Clearly there are
revolutions ahead, but informed conchology certainly is a mainstay in this
modern scientific synthesis.
 
Harry
 
 
At 01:28 PM 4/8/99 +0200, you wrote:
>> ----------
>> From:         NORA BRYAN[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>> Sent:         zaterdag 3 april 1999 2:20
>> To:   [log in to unmask]
>> Subject:      Eocene Strepsidura
>>
>> Hi all,
>> Any fossil experts out there?  (I know there are).  Can anyone tell me
>> the Family for the Genus Strepsidura.  I have an Eocene gastropod from
>> Damery France labelled Strepsidura sp. and it matches the picture in a
>> Dutch journal article we are using.  I have been adding the family to
>> the labels using the Millard Classification of Molluscs and this genus
>> shows up under Olividae.  It doesn't look like any olive I've ever
>> seen.  It looks more like something from Melongenidae  or Volutidae or
>> "one of those families".
>>
>        Your Strepsidura is Strepsidura turgida (Solander, 1766), the only
>known specie of the Paris Basin. In Glibert, 1933, this species is placed in
>the family Strepsiduridae, near the Buccinidae.
>The shell certainly does not look like an Oliva, but more like a Pseudoliva,
>this explains the placing you found in the Olividae.
>The fossils of Damery are of Lutetian age (an etage of the Eocene) and have
>a marvellous conservation. I hope this give you some information.
>
>Glibert, M, 1933. Monographie de la Faune malacologique du Bruxellien des
>environs de Bruxelles. -- Memoire no 53 du Musee Royal d'histoire Naturelle
>de Belgique.
>
>Martin Cadee, The Netherlands.
>
Harry G. Lee
mailto: [log in to unmask]
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Jacksonville, FL  32204
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