Haliotis clathrata Lichtenstein, 1794

Geiger, Daniel L., 2022, Anton August Heinrich Lichtenstein’s (1794) Catalogus Rerum Naturalium Rarissimarum, pars secunda. Facsimile edition and annotated translation, Zootaxa 5127 (1), pp. 1-126 : 118-119

Haliotis clathrata Lichtenstein, 1794 (non Reeve, 1846)

Haliotis is a genus of marine snails whose usage has remained virtually unchanged since the introduction by Linnaeus ( Gastropoda : Vetigastropoda: Haliotidae ). Only some imperforate “ Haliotis ” do not belong in this genus and have been transferred to Trochoidean genera. Lichtenstein’s species has been identified as H. elegans Philippi, 1844 ( Gastropoda : Vetigastropoda: Haliotidae ) by Geiger (1999). Haliotis clathrata Lichtenstein, 1794 , (non Reeve, 1846) has been suppressed under ICZN Opinion 1950 ( ICZN 2000) based on Case 3036 ( Geiger & Stewart 1998).

Availability

Oliva brasiliensis of Chemnitz has been considered to have been made available by Schuhmacher (1817) (e.g. Rios 2009). However, it appears that Lichenstein (1794: 44, lot 399) preceded Schuhmacher (1817) by reference to the same Chemnitz figure and with a diagnosis. Accordingly, the correct name for the species is Oliva brasiliensis Lichtenstein, 1794 . The epithet brasiliensis is considered to be a synonym of Olivancillaria urceus ( Röding, 1798) . Given the now earlier availability of the epithet brasiliensis , it becomes the oldest name for this species (ICZN Art. 23.3). A case for nomen oblitum cannot be made as Olivancillaria brasiliensis was used as a valid species after 1900 (e.g., Marcus & Marcus 1959).

Lot 862 refers to Murex galea alba with cited illustrations to Chemnitz ( Martini & Chemnitz 1769 –1788) vol. 10, pl. 160, figs 1518, 1519. Murex galea has been considered as having been made available by Dillwyn (1832: 40), referring to the very same Martini & Chemnitz figures. Accordingly, the correct authority for Murex galea is Lichtenstein, 1794, now Coralliophila galea ( Lichtenstein, 1794) . Although this publication has been overlooked, there is no equivalent procedure for forgotton authors as there is for forgotten names (nomen oblitum/protectum).

Lichtenstein’s (1794) use of the subspecific epithet Murex galea alba most likely stems from his misreading Martini & Chemnitz (1769 –1788: vol. 10, p. 237), describing the species as “ Murex Galea alba , testa ovata ...”. The term alba is not part of the capitalized genus and species name, but the beginning of the description of the shell. in lower case. There are other instances where Lichtenstein (1794) overlooked parts of a longer species epithet, such as Conus muscarum / stercusmuscarum Linnaeus, 1758 above lot 109, or misspelled names. Accordingly, Lichtenstein (1794) did not introduce a subspecific name, but engaged in a lapsus calami.

Historical window into 18 th century natural history collections

The sales catalog offers an insight into 18 th century natural history collections. Overall, the collection represents what would still be referred to today as “collectors shells.” The specimens are on the larger size (2 cm and up), despite the fact that half of the marine mollusks are smaller than 0.5 cm in size ( Bouchet et al. 2002). From a European perspective, mainly exotic species were offered with the majority occurring broadly speaking in the Indo-West Pacific and also the Caribbean. A few exceptions are worth noting such as Oliva porphyria ( Linnaeus, 1758) from the tropical eastern Pacific, and select lots from cold-water boreal regions. The latter includes a few species from southern South America such as the brachiopod Terebratella dosata (Gmelin, 1791) , the whelk Fusitrition magellanicum ( Röding, 1798) , and the limpet Nacella magellanica (Gmelin, 1791) . Specimen from the west coast of North America are conspicuously absent. Any of the abalone ( Haliotis spp. ) from California through Alaska would certainly have been considered exceptional, but those were only described from 1814 onwards. Other desirable shells would have been the cowry Neobernaya spadicea (Swainson, 1823) or the top snail Norrisia norrisii (Sowerby I, 1838) .

A few New Zealand endemic species deserve special mention such as Helix carmelita Lichtenstein, 1794 [nomen dubium], #976 [trochid from New Zealand], Maurea punctulata ( Martyn, 1784) , Cantharidus opalus (Martyn, 1794) , Cookia sulcata ([Lightfoot], 1786), Turbo imperialis Gmelin, 1791 , Lunella smaragdus (Gmelin, 1791) , and Haliotis iris Gmelin, 1791 . It is evidence that the trade route to New Zealand, and presumably Australia, existed, but still off the major shipping routes.

Specimens of Spondylus sp. (lot 147), Tibia fusus ( Linnaeus, 1758) and Tectus dentatus (Forsskål in Niebuhr, 1775) from the Red Sea are notable for their provenance. The Red Sea is relatively accessible from Europe through the eastern Mediterranean Sea as evidenced by Forsskål’s expedition.

The exceptional specimens noticed with one to three exclamation points include all of his new species. Table 2 provides a summary of those lots and the approximate current market price as gathered from various internet sources. The unidentified lots have been omitted.

Prices for single exclamation point specimens are generally in the US $1–20 range, while the !! and !!! specimens may reach prices of up to US $1,000. Price certainly depends on condition and exclusivity of the shells (e.g. color pattern, size). Even today, exceptional shells of common species can fetch high prices, such as a Tectus dentatus for US $1,200. Accordingly, a rigorous statistical analysis is impossible. In general, the relative rarity of the specimens has remained the same. However, given the expense of writing and typesetting a catalog, it is clear that the value of the shells adjusted for time has decreased tremendously.

Interestingly , the bezoar from an elephant would likely be the most valuable item today. They are typically sold per gram for at least US $25 for common types from cows and oxes. The Lichtenstein specimen was given a weight of 225 loth. = 3,289 g. At $25/g, it would be valued at $88,225. I have not been able to trace any sale of a bezoar from an elephant .

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