A nomenclator of extant and fossil taxa of the Melanopsidae (Gastropoda, Cerithioidea).

Thomas A Neubauer

doi:10.3897/zookeys.602.8136

Abstract

This nomenclator provides details on all published names in the family-, genus-, and species-group, as well as for a few infrasubspecific names introduced for, or attributed to, the family Melanopsidae. It includes nomenclaturally valid names, as well as junior homonyms, junior objective synonyms, nomina nuda, common incorrect subsequent spellings, and as far as possible discussion on the current status in taxonomy. The catalogue encompasses three family-group names, 79 genus-group names, and 1381 species-group names. All of them are given in their original combination and spelling (except mandatory corrections requested by the Code), along with their original source. For each family- and genus-group name, the original classification and the type genus and type species, respectively, are given. Data provided for species-group taxa are type locality, type horizon (for fossil taxa), and type specimens, as far as available.

Highlights

Genera and subgenera were established for particular morphological characteristics, most of which have been later shown to be highly variable and, polyphyletic (e.g., Neubauer et al 2014a)
Few of them are currently used in taxonomy
It is the only term on the subspecific level Férussac gave in small caps, a format he otherwise used only for vernacular names of species. Because of this and the fact that he did not add “nobis” it is unlikely that Férussac wanted to introduce a new name; rather, he may have intended to indicate its status as a fossil (Latin antiqua = old). If it had been introduced as a distinct taxon, the name would have been invalid as an objective junior synonym of Melanopsis fusiformis Sowerby, 1822, which Férussac listed in synonymy

Summary

Introduction

Junior objective synonym of Holandriana Bourguignat, 1884, with the same type species. Fischer (1885: 701) introduced Amphimelania as replacement name, which is invalid, too, because it is a junior objective synonym of Holandriana, with the same type species.

Results

Conclusion