A revision of the type specimens of Tertiary molluscs from Chile and Argentina described by d'Orbigny (1842), Sowerby (1846) and Hupé (1854)

Abstract

Synopsis The 122 Cenozoic molluscan species from Chile and Argentina introduced by d'Orbigny (1842), Sowerby (1846) and Hupé (1854) are all based on material collected during early expeditions to that part of the world during the nineteenth century. These species are revised herein and many are assigned to appropriate modern genera. A brief list of synonyms is given, stating only those references ‐ in addition to the original one ‐ in which material is illustrated or new combinations provided. Comments on the nature and preservation of the type material and on the status of the taxa are provided in order to clarify nomenclatural and taxonomic confusion that has arisen over the years because of the poor understanding of the types. Most of the type material is re‐illustrated. Necessary lectotypes are designated for the following: Pecten centralis Sowerby, 1846, Venus meridionalis Sowerby, 1846, Venus munsterii d'Orbigny, 1842, Ostrea patagonica d'Orbigny, 1842, Fusus cleryanus d'Orbigny, 1842, Trochus collaris Sowerby, 1846, Turritella patagonica Sowerby, 1846 and Scalaria rugulosa Sowerby, 1846. Neotypes are designated for Venus petitiana d'Orbigny, 1842 and Pleurotoma lanceolata Hupé, 1854. Two new names are provided to remove homonymy: Inquisitor lingulacaninus for Pleurotoma lanceolata Hupé, 1854 non Reeve, 1845 and Palaeomelon jeffi for Voluta triplicata Sowerby, 1846 non Donovan, 1802. Whenever possible, type localities are as closely circumscribed as permitted by the data provided in the original references, later references by other authors, evidence drawn from the type material itself and personal survey of the putative localities. Entries are organised alphabetically under the original specific name. They are separated taxonomically into bivalves, gastropods and scaphopods.