Case 3838 – Helix plicaria Lamarck, 1816 (currently Hemicycla plicaria; Gastropoda, Eupulmonata, Stylommatophora, Helicidae): proposed conservation of the specific name

Abstract

The purpose of this application, under Article 23.9.5 of the Code, is to conserve the specific name Helix plicaria Lamarck, 1816, a junior primary homonym of Helix plicaria Born, 1778. These names are currently in use for two different groups of land and freshwater snails, respectively, and have not been treated as congeneric since 1828. Helix plicaria Born, 1778 was first transferred to the genus Bulimus Scopoli, 1777 and subsequently to the genera Thiara Röding, 1798, Melania Lamarck, 1799, Melanoides Olivier, 1804 and Stenomelania Fischer, 1885. Helix plicaria Lamarck, 1816 has either been treated as belonging to Helix Linnaeus, 1758, Cochlea Da Costa, 1778 or has been included in Hemicycla Swainson, 1840. It is proposed that Helix plicaria Lamarck, 1816 be conserved by ruling it is not invalid by reason of being a junior homonym of Helix plicaria Born, 1778.