Vexillum (Costellaria) scitulum (A. ADAMS, 1853)

Herrmann, Manfred & Salisbury, Richard, 2012, A new species of Vexillum (Costellaria) (Gastropoda: Costellariidae) from the Marquesas with remarks on Mitra chariessa MELVILL, 1888, Contributions to Natural History 24, pp. 57-66 : 64

Vexillum (Costellaria) scitulum (A. ADAMS, 1853)

Mitra chariessa MELVILLL, 1888 syn. nov.

In Turner (2001) Mitra chariessa MELVILLL, 1888 ( Fig. 8 ) was synonymized with Vexillum (C.) rubellum ( ADAMS & REEVE, 1850) ( Figs 9–10 ), but when comparing the type species in NMW with the new species, the authors realized that M. chariessa should be synonymized with Vexillum (C.) scitulum (A. ADAMS, 1853) instead.

The type of M. chariessa and the syntypes of V. (C.) scitulum have the same slender appearance, an identical cancellated surface with a more prominent second spiral cord below the suture and the same colouration. The holotype of M. chariessa and the larger syntype of V. (C.) scitulum are nearly completely faded, but on close examination, slightly brown faded dots can be seen on the periphery of the body whorl of both shells. This characteristic can be better seen on the smaller syntype in the NHMUK.

In contrast, V. (C.) rubellum differ from the mentioned types. This species is larger, the axial ribs are thicker and, as mentioned by Adams & Reeve (1850) in the original description, V. (C.) rubellum has more swollen whorls and the longer siphonal canal is significantly recurved.

Figures

Plate 3: Vexillum (Costellaria) scitulum (A. ADAMS, 1853), all figures 5 x Fig. 6: Syntype 1/2, NHMUK 1967876/1, China Seas, 14.6 mm x 4.7 mm (photo John Wolff). Fig. 7: Syntype 2/2, NHMUK 1967876/2, China Seas, 11.8 mm x 3.8 mm (photo Hans Turner). Fig. 8: Holotype of Mitra chariessa MELVILL, 1888; NMW 1955.158.00392, no locality (photo Harriet Wood, NMW).

Plate 4: Vexillum (Costellaria) rubellum (ADAMS & REEVE, 1850), all figures 5 x Fig. 9: MH, Philippines, Palawan, Balabac Island, collected 2005, 29.4 mm x 10.0 mm (photo Manfred Herrmann). Fig. 10: Type figure of Mitra rubella ADAMS & REEVE, 1850.