>Question: the illustrations ID Clypeolum
> granosum but the body of the text refers to Neritina granosa, both
(Sowerby,
> 1825). Are these synonymous? If so, which is preferred?
John,
Nice catch (and my fault)! Yes they are synonyms. I've seen the shell in
question listed under Nerita, Neritina, Theodoxus and Clypeolum. Clypeolum
was the accepted genus (Kaicher cards) but then A. Haynes in 1988, "Notes of
the stream neritids (Gastropoda; Prosobranchia) of Oceania," Micronesia,
21:93-102 moved it to Neritina, thus Neritina granosa. At the same time
listing Theodoxus cariosus, a look-a-like also from Hawaii! So we have two
shells from the same area, with similar shapes, living in similar habits and
assigned to different genera. I got all of this information from John
Jacobs of this list (thanks again John). I do not yet have the references,
so I cannot say what criteria were used. If anyone has this reference, I
would appreciate a Xerox copy.
Oh, almost forgot the "what is preferred" part of the question. I believe
Clypeolum is still preferred, but it is probably from habit and usage more
than any concious decision. As I said, I don't have the reference so cannot
make any real judgement -- but......the shell is a bit toward the small area
of the bell curve for a Neritina.
Tom Eichhorst in New Mexico, USA
|