Hi Andrew,

     Thank you for the additional information on the family Pseudolividae.  This is a family I had
not heard much about until now.  I did run across some members on gastropods.com, among which were
two members of the genus Melapium.  I could find no representatives of the genus Macron on the
site at all.
     I've heard of Melapium before, as well as the problems it poses for taxonomists.  In previous
discussions I have heard arguments that consider it to be a turbinellid.  I had thought that it
bore a very superficial resemblance to Tudicla, minus the long siphonal canal.  However, Tudicla
has an operc and lacks the smooth glossy surface of Melapium.  Thinking back to a photo of the
animal I saw on the web, your suggestion of a relationship to the Volutidae makes a lot of sense.
Too bad someone hasn't done molecular work to test the relationships of Melapium with
Pseudolividae, Turbinellidae, and Volutidae.  I really enjoy taxonomic discussions, but I'm out of
my element with many groups.  My primary collecting interests are based largely on Tibia, Lambis,
and Strombus.  A friend got me involved with Spondylus recently and I found myself getting in over
my head.
     Well, I had best sign off for now.  In the meantime, I hope this finds you happy and healthy.
 All is well here.  So, until next time...Take care and happy shelling. :)

Best wishes,
Tim






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