Conus sensu lato 2

Note. This group comprises Conus olivaeformis and C. vindobonensis . Conus argillicola is too poorly known to allow a clear decision, but based on its overall morphology, we provisionally also place it here. Like species grouped in Conus sensu lato 1, these shells develop tuberculate early spire whorls and may form spiral cords. The main difference is the presence of spiral grooves on the base of the last whorl, which differ strongly in the mode of formation from the spiral cords seen in Conus s.l. 1. Again, these species are reminiscent of Lautoconus species, but differ by their tuberculate spire whorls. Subadult specimens of Conus vindobonensis are even reminiscent of Conilithes, but the shallower and less asymmetrical subsutural flexure and the comparatively stout and ventricose last whorl exclude a closer relation.