Conus investigators:
 
When entering my photos of the animal of Conus pulicarius in a
just-completed CD on Common Reef Molluscs of Bohol, Philippines, I noted
that there were distinct differences between the specimen I photographed
in Bohol from ones photographed in Hawaii and other Pacific areas.  The
Bohol specimen's foot and siphon had pink margins missing in specimens
from other areas.
 
While in Cook Islands the past few weeks I photographed two specimens
that differed in these charactics in the same way (interim data without
photo prints).  I can guess this indicates that I photographed two sexes
and this may account for the differences in single shells (all of the
same sex) in other Pacific areas.
 
Does anyone have information in this area?
 
Incidently, Cook Islands does not have specific regulations concerning
collection of molluscs for personal use, but has about 10 Nature Reserve
areas marked by signs on the roads and Poles in the water where
collecting is prohibited.  For anything involving research there is a
permit required.  I will put the Email addresses in the Internet HSN
section on Rules later this month.
Aloha,
 
WEs