Tim,

Well, I waited to let some of the stromb experts hit your question but it
appears they are all out for lunch.  So, from an amateur long interested in
strombs, here is one opinion.  I personally believe the various forms of S.
latus are just that, forms.  But I guess a good argument can be made for
subspecies status.  According to Poppe and Groh (1999), Strombus latus
portgentilensis is restricted to Port Gentil (thus the name), Gabon, Africa
and is identified by the smooth surface and high shoulder spines.  I say all
this without a specimen in hand as I only have the normal S. latus.  This is
a nice heavy stromb and well worth adding to your collection.  Good luck,

Tom Eichhorst

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> Behalf Of Timothy Blackwood
> Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2003 8:28 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Questions for Strombus experts. :)
>
>
> Hello everyone,
>
>     My name is Tim Blackwood and I am a graduate student in
> biology at Bemidji State University,
> located in northwestern Minnesota.  I've been collecting shells
> for around 20 years and have
> recently turned my attention to the Strombidae.  Now for my
> question.  A species from the Cape
> Verde Islands is being sold as Strombus latus portgentilensis.
> The pictures I've seen show a
> strong resemblance to regular Strombus latus.  What feature(s)
> should I look for to determine
> which species is really being offered?  I'd be happy with either,
> personally, as my collection
> lacks any form of S. latus.  Just trying to become better
> informed.  Any assistance you can
> provide will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance. :)
>
> Best wishes and happy shelling,
> Tim
>
> =====
> Timothy J. Blackwood
> Phone: (218)333-7876
> E-mail: [log in to unmask]
> School Address:
> 136B Pine Hall
> 2005 Birchmont Drive NE
> Bemidji, Minnesota 56601
>
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