Having used a stereo microscope to look at the offending specimen, i
agree with Don and George, quoted below: it is an extremely well
"manufactured" fake, and i have been a victim of the notorious
Philippine shell doctors. The teeth have been extended by meticulous
carving - must have taken days!!  On a naked-eye level, it is absolutely
convincing, but when examined up close and personal, the "leucodonizing"
process can be readily detected....... sigh.

- JR.

Subject:
What might have caused this?? (super-freak Cyp mappa)
From:
"J. Ross Mayhew" <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 29 Nov 2006 02:34:34 -0400


Cypraea mappa is one of my favorite species - variable to the "max"!!
That said, i have never seen anything like this for this species -
http://www.schnr-specimen-shells.com/mappalips.JPG (dorsum is quite
normal: http://www.schnr-specimen-shells.com/mappalipsd.JPG) - is it
closely related to another species which has teeth which cover the
entire ventrum, or is this just a strange mutation?  Has anyone else out
there seen such a thing?  Does Cyp. tigris do this from time to time also?

- ross m.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject:
Re: What might have caused this?? (super-freak Cyp mappa)
From:
Don Barclay <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 29 Nov 2006 02:48:56 -0600


Hi Ross,

I don't think C. tigris ever do that, unless the same guys
that worked on yours worked on the C. tigris.  Looks
to me like they were in the process of leucodonizing yours.
I saw one that was more completely leucodonized for
sale on the net.  See if the teeth don't scrape off and leave
a smooth base.

Cheers,

Don
Subject:
Re: What might have caused this?? (super-freak Cyp mappa)
From:
George Sangiouloglou <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 29 Nov 2006 13:32:43 +0200


Dear Ross & friends,
The base of your Cypraea which has teeth which cover the entire ventrum
is fake.
I obtained before two years similar Cypraea mauritiana from small dealer
in Mactan even I was sure that is fake I saw it to the big dealer and
confirm that is fake but was a very good work from Punto Engano doctors.
Last year offered me from small dealer a similar Cypraea mappa but I
didn't buy.
Best regards.
George

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------