The main distinction between the two species has been that C. auratinus
has a narrower shoulder than C. aulicus.
Based on your picture, I find it difficult to decide. It can possibly be
a narrow shouldered C. aulicus or wide shouldered C. auritinus. Which,
Bruno, is probably why you asked in the first place!

Are there other distinctions between the two species?
Have there been DNA studies supporting their distinction?
Any cone experts wish to express their opinion?

Either way, it is a beautiful specimen Bruno...hang on to it!

Cheers,
Bob

----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2003 7:41 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Conus auratinus vs aulicus


It looks like C, aulicus to me I have several to me some from Guam and
Some from the Phillipines. Harry [log in to unmask]
> Dear Conch-lers,
>
> Could the conus specialists here (and also non specialist) tell me
> what they are thinking about this specimen :
> <http://perso.wanadoo.fr/zonatus/Collection/Cones_a_c/Aulicus.htm>
>
> For a long time i was thinking it was a Conus aulicus, but i suddenly
> have a doubt. Can it be a Conus auratinus ? This shell had been
> purchased twenty years ago in french Polynesia (of course, i have no
> proof that it's not an import from Philippines).
>
> Thank's a lot for any opinion.
>
> Regards
>
> Bruno