Hi Everybody,

OK, gang, I stand corrected. The shell at  www.geocities.com/conchlimages/
is Vexillum purpuratum (Reeve, 1845)

Here is the (edited) reply from Richard Salisbury, whom I consider the
current pre-eminent mitrid authority. He is meticulous and has a terrific
visual memory:

  "The internet link shows a photo of what I am calling Vex. (Cost.)
   purpuratum (Reeve, 1845). Dr. Turner DISAGREES with that ID, saying that
   this is an undescribed species. He has proposed a manuscript name for
this    species.
   The type of Mitra purpurata is a very large (not typical) form of this
   species with lighter colors. I have a specimen like it from Fiji.
   Despite the subdued color, larger size it appears to me to be the same
   species as what is pictured in the internet link and which I collected
   many specimens in Guam. Turner and I are still discussing this issue.
   Vex. (Pusia) roseotinctum is a valid species which is characterized
   by different coloration."



John Wolff
2640 Breezewood Dr.
Lancaster, PA 17601, U.S.A.