Is anyone aware of any DNA "fingerprinting" studies performed on Conus species? I have searched the web and found nothing. I would be very interested to see the percent match of genomic data between conchologicaly similar and dissimilar species. This type of data might settle certain arguments between lumpers and splitters. While collecting in the Hermit Islands of PNG in 2004, we found Conus marmoreous, bandanus and bandanus nigrescens, all living in the same area and depth. We have a large series of specimens that shows a gradual inter- grading of shell color and pattern from a classic marmoreous to a very dark bandanus nigrescens. Visually, I could see no differences in the appearance of the living animals. I will say that the average size of shells identified as marmoreous was larger than bandanus, bandanus were found with a much greater incidence of shell damage (scars, severe growth lines,)and bandanus were usually found better hidden or buried in the day time compared with marmoreous. Still, the shared habitat and the inter- grading specimens make me wonder about the species distinction. John Flynn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------