Hi everyone,

     Just recently I received a price list on which were listed specimens of Strombus (Euprotomus)
aurora.  Unfortunately, there were no pictures.  While browsing through a number of web sites
later I came across the following address that had several photos of this species:

     http://perso.wanadoo.fr/loic.limpalaer/Taurus/Strombidae/page_euprotomus.htm

Several examples of S. aurora were shown, alongside specimens of S. aurisdianae and S. bulla.  The
appearance of the examples of S. aurora brought to mind what S. aurisdianae would look like if it
had the color typical of S. bulla.  Another site
(http://www.conchology.be/availableShells/action.lasso?-database=conchavail.fp3&-layout=web&-response=shellsforsalegallery.html&family=STROMBIDAE%20&quantity=1&sortfield=species&-anyError=SearchShellsError.html&-maxrecords=100&-search)
had specimens resembling S. aurora that were labeled as S. aurisdianae X bulla.  The morphology
and distributions were the same.  Now for my question.  Is S. aurora a distinct and valid species,
or should it be considered a hybrid between aurisdianae and bulla?  Any assistance you can provide
will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance. :)

Sincerely,
Tim Blackwood

=====
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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