Andrew,
Shell holotypes are desposited in museums or similar institutions that have
active (preferrably) shell collections.  If I described a species based on
material borrowed from an institution, the holotype would go back to the
lending institution.  If I described a species based on material from here
at this museum, it would stay here.  If I wasn't associated with a museum,
I could send the holotype to the museum of my choice.  I would probably
send it to one with a research history in the group or geographic area of
the species.

Hope this helps......Kurt



At 08:19 PM 1/26/2000 -0800, you wrote:
>Dear Conch-lers,
>
>When a new molluscan species is described a single holotype is
>designated.  Why are certain holotypes sent to certain places?  What type
>of organizations are allowed to retain holotypes?
>
>Andrew Dickson
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>