Again, I agree with Rick.  If the white protoconch is a determining 
factor, then his shells are not H. gracilis, BUT they are certainly 
different in shape, structure, color, and pattern, than any of the H. 
amouretta that have been shown or referenced.  The purple protoconch 
certainly links them to H. amouretta, but whether form, subspecies, or 
species - they are not your typical, or even atypical, H. amouretta.

Tom E. (it has been great digging through harp images and actual 
specimens - nice way to pass a snowy day, thanks to all.

On 1/14/2015 5:36 PM, Rick Negus wrote:
> None of the examples below are like my two shells.
> Rick
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Martin Eastburn
> Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 3:27 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Harpa gracilis protoconch colour
>
> While living on Kwajalein, we collected Harpa amouretta in 1963 and qualified it in 3 of our books.
> Martin Eastburn
>
> On 1/14/2015 8:34 AM, Chong Chen wrote:
>> Thanks Marlo. I have seen a great variety in the form of H. amouretta
>> including the slender form as well as various intermediates.
>>
>> A quick google search will reveal a number of slender specimens, for
>> example http://www.gastropods.com/2/Shell_122.shtml
>> http://koghisberg.com/?p=3944
>> http://www.schnr-specimen-shells.com/35649.JPG
>> http://www.conchology.be/?t=68&u=886353&g=1b0cd83e15aaddada2c0195478bc
>> 058b&q=c87e7c3942ff38191e699c6a2fcdff89
>> http://www.marinelifephotography.com/marine/mollusks/gastropods/olives
>> /harpa-amouretta.htm
>> http://www.shellbrothers.be/images/Harpidae/amouretta%20Indonesia%201,
>> 5%20(2).JPG
>>
>> The specimens range all the way from eastern Africa to Hawaii -- it is
>> only a form of H. amouretta.
>>
>> Regarding H. kolaceki, I would agree that it is only a form of H.
>> amouretta as well.
>>
>> Best,
>> Chong
>>
>> 2015-01-14 14:22 GMT+00:00  <[log in to unmask]>:
>>> I have to go with H. amouretta for Rick's shells.  I've documented this conversation on LTS (http://z14.invisionfree.com/Conchologist_Forum/index.php?showtopic=2894) with Rick's photos (and permission) and added photos of a H. amouretta from the Solomons in my collection.  While there are are some overall shape differences, with my shell more closely resembling forma crassa, I cannot see how Rick's shells can be distinguished as other than a normal, local, regional variation for the species.
>>>
>>> marlo
>>>
>>> ---- Tom Eichhorst <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>>> I agree with Rick.  While the shells he illustrated may not be H.
>>>> gracilis, they are certainly unlike any of the H. amouretta I have
>>>> (another 30 specimens to that 50).
>>>>
>>>> Tom E.
>>> --
>>>
>>>

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