Conch-L, (1)Is there any evidence besides conchologic to warrant the separation of the two forms as geographic subspecies? (2)has a test been made on enough shell specimens to say that the differences are statistically significant, even if not 100% effective in separating the geographic forms? Allen Aigen From: Gladys Fehling <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Cypraea acicularis santeahelenae, Schilder 1930 Date: Sun, 20 Oct 2002 22:48:58 -0400 Thank you, Now I am more confused than ever. I got exactly the opposite information from two other sources. Look at the following site: http://www.cypraea.net/aciculariscomparative.htm and you will see what I mean. I also received photos from another individulal with the exact same information. Sincerely, Gladys Fehling [log in to unmask] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ringwald Fabien" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2002 7:44 AM Subject: Re: Cypraea acicularis santeahelenae, Schilder 1930 > Hello! > > I believe that there are only two features that can > separate acicularis from sanctaehelenae. > First feature : > Acicularis aciularis: The marginal pitting is very > regular all along the margin; with generally a black > coloration in each depression of the pitting. This is > always right on the elder specimen and frequently > visible on younger specimens. > > Acicularis sanctaehelenae : the marginal pitting is > visible only near the extremities, even on the elder > specimens. No black coloration in the depressions of > the margins. > > Second feature : > The spots all along the margins are regularly arranged > along the margins, in the ac. ac. case, but they are > randomly arranged on the margins of ac. Sthelenae. > > I would like to stress on one point : the coloration > of the dorsum is absolutely not a constant feature. > This year, I found ten specimens in Martinique Island > which were really dark (nearly brown dorsum) and not > yellow at all. This almost depends of the biotope in > which a population of cowries lives. > Sincerely > > Fabien > > ___________________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? -- Une adresse @yahoo.fr gratuite et en français ! > Yahoo! Mail : http://fr.mail.yahoo.com > Allen Aigen [log in to unmask]