Honduras.

Syntypes: NHMUK 196563 and 196564: 1 specimen each, Honduras (coll. H. Cuming).

T. testâ subulato-pyramidali, albidâ, nitidâ; anfractibus planulatis, subimbricatis, granosoclathratis, granis oblongis, serie granorum inferiore prominulâ, anfractu ultimo basi fulvo; canali brevi, subrecurvo.

Hab. Honduras (Dyson). Mus. Cuming.

A solid, white, shining, pyramidal species, with oblong granules disposed in three series on each whorl.

Whitish and clean shell with a pyramidal-subulate shell; flat-sided whorls, subimbricated, clathrated with oblong granules whose inferior series is slightly prominent, base of the last whorl reddish; short anterior siphonal canal slightly curved.

Syntypes are 9.6 and 8.1 mm high. Shell conical, with rather flat sides. Teleoconch of ca 12 whorls. Three spiral cords are present, the second weaker at the beginning but visible since the early teleoconch. Such cords are large, flat, adorned by elongated and coalescent granules, which become more distinct on the peristome. Base with three additional granulated cords. Apex not present in the type specimens. Colour whitish with brown base.

The syntypes lack the apex, but Rolán and Fernández-Garcés (1995) illustrated a morphologically similar specimen with a multispiral protoconch, sculptured by two spiral keels and axial riblets.

Figure 2. 

Triphoris albidus A. Adams, 1851, Honduras, coll. H. Cuming. A, B Syntype NHMUK 196563: front (A), side (B). C–G Syntype NHMUK 196564: front (C, D), side (E), back (F), aperture (G). H Original labels. Scale bars: A–F: 1 mm; G: 0.5 mm.

Red Sea.

Syntypes: NHMUK 196567: 1 specimen, Red Sea (coll. H. Cuming); NHMUK 196568/1–3: 3 specimens, Red Sea (coll. H. Cuming).

NHMUK 1878.1.28.452: 1 specimen (coll. H. Adams).

T. testâ elongato-pyramidali, cinereâ; anfractibus sexdecim ad octodecim, spiraliter tricingulatis, cingulâ medianâ minore, interstitiis carinarum longitudinaliter valde striates.

Hab. Red Sea (Rüppell). Mus. Cuming.

An ashy-grey species, with three smooth keels on each whorl, and the interstices strongly striated: somewhat similar to the T. corrugatus of Hinds.

Elongate-pyramidal shell, ash-gray; sixteen to eighteen whorls with three spiral cords whose intermediate is smaller, interstices among carinas strongly axially striated.

Syntypes ranging in size from 9.6 to 14.4 mm. A slender conical shell with flat sides. Teleoconch of 15–20 whorls, with two strong smooth spiral cords and a weakly granulated third in between, which appears as a fine thread in the early teleoconch. Fine threads are visible between the cords. No complete peristome is present among the studied material, but the specimen from the H. Adams collection shows additional smooth spiral cords (Fig. 3K). Siphonal canal well developed. The base bears one strong weakly granulated additional spiral cord, followed by a weak thread. Another weak thread runs from the columella on the siphonal canal. The protoconch is present in a single paratype (Fig. 3J); it is poorly preserved but clearly multispiral, possibly with two spiral keels on the lower whorls. Spiral cords greyish, with brown interspaces, protoconch and base.

A label accompanying lot NHMUK 1878.1.28.452 specifies that this is not a type specimen “fide Dance, 1965”. Indeed, this specimen comes from the H. Adams collection and, thus, is not from the original series of the Cuming collection.

Figure 3. 

Triphoris cingulatus A. Adams, 1854. A–E Syntype NHMUK 196567, Red Sea, coll. H. Cuming: front (A, B), side (C), back (D), last whorl (E). F–H, K Specimen ex coll. H. Adams, NHMUK 1878.1.28.452: front (F), side (G), back (H), peristome (K). I Original label. J, L Syntype NHMUK 196568/1, Red Sea, coll. H. Cuming: protoconch (J), front (L). Scale bars: A–D, F–H: 2 mm; E: 0.5 mm; J: 0.1 mm; K, L: 1 mm.

Port Lincoln, Australia.

Lectotype: NHMUK 196559, designated by Marshall (1983) (coll. H. Cuming). Paralectotype: NHMUK 196560: 1 specimen, Port Lincoln, Australia (coll. H. Cuming).

T. testâ pyramidali, basi planâ fuscâ, albidâ, fasciis fuscis interruptis, transversis, ornatâ; anfractibus planis, cingulis duabus granorum instructis; interstitiis valde punctatis.

Hab. Port Lincoln. Mus. Cuming.

A small prettily-marked species, with two rows of granules on each whorl, and the interstices deeply punctured.

Pyramidal shell with a flat dark base, whitish with dark interrupted spiral bands; flat whorls with two rows of granules; interstices deeply punctured.

Lectotype and paralectotype 3.2 mm and 4.4 mm high, respectively, but both specimens are subadults without a fully developed last whorl. Shell conical with flat sides. Type specimens of eight whorls, an underestimate due to their subadult stage. Each whorl bears two main spiral cords with well-defined tubercles; from the sixth whorl, a fine cord runs between them. Orthocline axial ribs are present and strong. The peristome, the sinuses, the siphonal canal and the base are missing in both type specimens. The lectotype bears the last whorl and half of the protoconch which is clearly multispiral, adorned by two spiral keels and brownish in colour. The teleoconch has a white background. Beginning on the third whorl, brown blotches are present on the first spiral cord.

In the same box, a third vial is present with a small worn specimen which is not this species, as already noted by Peter Dance in a handwritten annotation in 1965. The lectotype inventory number 16559 in Marshall (1983) is a mistyping.

Figure 4. 

Triphoris festivus A. Adams, 1851, Port Lincoln, S. Australia, coll. H. Cuming. A–F Lectotype NHMUK 196559: front (A–B), side (C), back (D), protoconch (E–F). G Paralectotype, NHMUK 196560: front (G). H Original labels. Scale bars: A–D, G: 0.5 mm; E, F: 0.1 mm.

Sydney, Australia.

Lectotype: NHMUK 196569, designated by Marshall (1983) (coll. H. Cuming). Paralectotypes: NHMUK 196570/1–2: 2 specimens, Sydney, Australia (coll. H. Cuming).

T. testâ subulato-pyramidali, nigrofuscâ, in medio tumidâ, spirâ apice obtuso; anfractibus 10, planulatis, triseriatim granulosocarinatis, suturis concavo-impressis; labro reflexo, dilatato, albido; canali brevi, subrecurvo.

Hab. Sydney, under stones, low water (Mr. Strange). Mus. Cuming.

A small, nearly black shell, with the outer lip dirty white or pale fuscous.

Subulate-pyramidal shell, nearly black, swollen in the middle, obtuse apex; ten whorls nearly flat with three granulated carinas, suture concave; reflexed, swollen, whitish lip; short anterior slightly bent siphon.

Lectotype 4 mm high. Cyrtoconoid profile with flat sides. Teleoconch of nine whorls, with three spiral cords; the second cord appears on the third whorl between the other two and is initially faint but becomes as strong as the others on the penultimate whorl. Axial sculpture between the cords weak. Paralectotype A has a complete peristome (Fig. 5J) showing no posterior sinus and additional spiral cords. The base has three weakly sculptured cords. The protoconch is paucispiral, of one whorl and a poorly distinct transition to teleoconch; the protoconchs in the type series are worn, but the lectotype one apparently bears several fine spiral threads. Shell brown, with the tubercles of the first spiral row lighter or grey.

The protoconch of the specimen illustrated by Marshall (1983: fig. 32C) has two whorls which bear two strong keels, while the lectotype has a single whorl and fine threads are clearly visible above the suture (Fig. 5F).

Figure 5. 

Triphoris labiatus A. Adams, 1851, Sydney, Australia, coll. H. Cuming. A–I Lectotype NHMUK 196569: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (F–H), aperture (I). J–L Paralectotypes, NHMUK 196570/1–2: paralectotype 1 peristome (J) and front (K), paralectotype 2 (L). M Original labels. Scale bars: A–E, K–L: 0.5 mm; F–H: 0.1 mm; I: 0.3 mm.

Sydney, Australia.

Lectotype: NHMUK 196557, designated by Marshall (1983) (coll. H. Cuming). Paralectotypes: NHMUK 196558: 1 specimen, Sydney, Australia (coll. H. Cuming).

T. testâ pyramidali, nigro-fuscâ; anfractibus planis, triseriatim graulatis, granulis aequalibus, confertis, anfractuum suturis impressis, basi convexâ.

Hab. Sydney, low water, under stones (Mr. Strange).

A black-brown species, with three rows of regular, equal sized granules on each whorl.

Pyramidal shell, dark brown; flat whorls with three rows of equal sized dense granules, whorls with impressed sutures, convex base.

Lectotype 6.7 mm high. Shell conical with rather flat whorls. Teleoconch of ten whorls, with three strong spiral cords forming nodules at the intersection with the orthocline axial ribs. Such cords are visible starting on the first whorl. A suprasutural smooth cord is visible in the lower half of the shell. Axial riblets are visible between main ribs on the last whorls. No type specimen bears a complete peristome to allow observation. Siphonal canal short; base with two smooth spiral cords. Paucispiral protoconch of two whorls, bearing two strong spiral keels and equally strong spaced axial ribs. Background teleoconch colour brown, with lighter to pearly grey tubercles. Protoconch brown.

Figure 6. 

Triphoris nigrofuscus A. Adams, 1851, Sydney, Australia, coll. H. Cuming. A–E, G, H, J, K Lectotype NHMUK 196557: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), peristome (G), aperture (H), protoconch (J, K). F, L Paralectotype, NHMUK 196558: front (F), protoconch (L). I Original labels. Scale bars: A–F: 1 mm; G, H: 0.5 mm; J–L: 0.2 mm.

Not reported.

Syntypes: NHMUK 196556: 1 specimen, unknown locality (coll. H. Cuming).

T. testâ subulato-pyramidali, in medio tumidâ fuscâ, serie moniliformi albo ornatâ; anfractibus convexiusculis, triseriatim granuloso-carinatis; granorum serie inferiore prominulâ, superiore multo minore; aperturâ rotundatâ, constrictâ; canali brevi, recurvo.

Hab. —? Mus. Cuming.

A handsome brown species with a white series of bead-like granules at the lower part of each whorl.

Subulate-pyramidal shell, tumid in the middle, brown with a white series of bead-like granules; whorls a little convex, with three rows of granulated carinas; granules of the lower row prominent, those of the upper much less prominent; aperture rounded, contracted, anterior siphonal canal short, bent.

Syntype 5.8 mm high. Shell conical with flat whorls. Teleoconch of 12 whorls, with three spiral cords forming nodules at the intersection with slightly prosocline axial ribs. The second spiral cord appears at mid-shell height and is very narrow. Between major spiral cords, numerous fine threads are visible. A narrow, smooth, suprasutural cord is visible. Peristome not fully grown on the holotype, but bears at least an additional spiral cord between the second and the third. Siphonal canal short. The base bears two additional smooth spiral cords. Protoconch not present in the holotype, but remains of its last whorl suggest a multispiral protoconch. Teleoconch brown, first teleoconch whorl and spiral cord whitish.

It has been considered a Caribbean species and a synonym of Similiphora intermedia (C.B. Adams, 1850) by Rolán and Fernández-Garcés (2008). However, the species illustrated as S. intermedia by Rolán and Fernández-Garcés (1995) is very different in sculpture and colour. The range of origin of this species remains uncertain.

Figure 7. 

Triphoris pulchellus A. Adams, 1851, unknown locality, coll. H. Cuming. A–F, H Syntype NHMUK 196556: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), peristome (F), microsculpture (H). G Original labels. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F: 0.5 mm; H: 0.3 mm.

Port Lincoln, Australia.

Lectotype: NHMUK 196561, designated by Marshall (1983) (coll. H. Cuming). Paralectotypes: NHMUK 196562/1–2: 2 specimens, Port Lincoln, Australia (coll. H. Cuming).

T. testâ subulato-pyramidali, albidâ, nitidâ, subpellucidâ, suturis rufo-tinctis; anfractibus convexiusculis, cingulis tribus nodorum ornatis, cingulâ medianâ majore moniliformi, nodorum interstitiis fuscis, anfractu ultimo basi fusco; canali brevi, aperto.

Hab. Port Lincoln. Mus. Cuming.

A semipellucid, white and brown species, with the middle row of nodules very prominent.

Subulate-pyramidal shell, light-coloured, near transparent, reddish sutures; whorls a little convex, with three nodulose spiral cords whose moniliform median is larger, brown interspaces among nodules, the last whorl with brown base; open anterior short siphonal canal.

Lectotype 4.9 mm high. Shell conical, with flat sides. Teleoconch of 12 whorls with three spiral cords with strong nodules at the intersection with prosocline axial ribs. The second cord appears at mid shell height and is very narrow. The third cord is more prominent than the others and gives the shell a distinct profile. A smooth suprasutural cord is visible, as fine axial threads between the main ribs. Peristome with a shallow posterior sinus and no additional spiral cords. Siphonal canal short. The base has one additional smooth cord. Multispiral protoconch of three whorls; the first with numerous fine granules, whereas the following two are smooth with the exception of a series of elongated supra- and subsutural granules. Teleoconch and protoconch hyaline, with brown base.

Triphoris pfeifferi Crosse & Fischer, 1865 should be considered a junior synonym (see p. 180) as already suggested by Marshall (1983).

Figure 8. 

Triphoris scitulus A. Adams, 1851, Port Lincoln, S. Australia, coll. H. Cuming. A–H, J Lectotype NHMUK 196561: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (F), peristome (G, H), aperture (J). I Paralectotype, NHMUK 196562/1: front (I). K Original labels. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F: 0.1 mm; G–H, J: 0.4 mm; I: 0.5 mm.

“St. John’s”, British Virgin Islands.

Syntypes: NHMUK 196554: 1 specimen, and NHMUK 196555/1–4: 4 specimens, both St. John’s, West Indies, British Virgin Islands (coll. H. Cuming).

T. testâ subulato-pyramidali, in medio tumidâ, albâ, maculis triangularibus rufo-fuscis variegatâ; anfractibus planulatis, triseriatim granulates, granis aequalibus, interstitiis punctatis, suturis impressis; canali brevi, apertâ.

Hab. St. John’s. Mus. Cuming.

A large variegated species, somewhat resembling in general appearance T. ornatus, Desh.

Subulate-pyramidal shell, swollen in the middle, white, variegated with triangular dark red spots; flat-sided whorls, three series of equal-sized granules, punctate interstices, impressed sutures; open anterior short siphonal canal

Syntype height ranging from 5.9 to 7.9 mm. Shell conical with flat sides. Teleoconch of 12 whorls with three equally strong spiral cords which bear tubercles at the intersection with slightly prosocline axial ribs. The second cord starts at the fifth whorl in the lectotype and is initially narrow. Numerous fine spiral threads are present between the main cords. The peristome bears an initial additional spiral cord between the second and the third, very faint. Siphonal canal short. The base bears three additional granulated cords. Protonch absent in the type series. Teleoconch white with large brown blotches, base brown.

Figure 9. 

Triphoris variegatus A. Adams, 1851, St. John’s, West Indies, coll. H. Cuming. A– F Syntype NHMUK 196554: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), peristome (F). G, H Original labels. I, J Syntypes NHMUK 196555/1–4. Scale bars: A–E, I, J: 1 mm; F: 0.5 mm.

“China Sea”.

Not found, see remarks.

Triph. testâ elongato-pyramidali, anfractibus viginti ad quatnor et viginti, planulatis, spiraliter triseriatim liratis, lirarum interstitiis clathratis; intus extusque fuscâ.

Hab. China Sea.

The whorls of this species are flattened and deeply latticed throughout. The aperture is incomplete.

Triphorid with an elongated-pyramidal shell of 20 to 24 plain whorls, three latticed spiral rows; brown in colour.

Hab. China Sea

The two specimens preserved in the NHMUK (196515 and 196516) and belonging to the Cuming collection cannot be considered syntypes. The original description, as well as the original figure (Fig. 10G), describe a specimen with an incomplete aperture, in contrast to the specimen illustrated in Figure 10A–C. Moreover, the original description refers to a shell with 20 whorls, while both specimens found have 9–12 teleoconch whorls; specimen in Figure 10D has also a large paucispiral protoconch in contrast to the elongated and pointed profile of the original figure which suggests a multispiral protoconch. At present, T. alveolatus should be considered a nomen dubium.

Figure 10. 

Triphora sp. (labelled as T. alveolatus Adams & Reeve, 1850). A–C, H NHMUK 196515, China Sea, coll. H. Cuming: front (A), side (B), back (C), labels (H). D–F NHMUK 196516: front (D), protoconch (E, F). G Original figures. Scale bars: A–D: 2 mm; E, F: 0.3 mm.

“China Sea”.

Not found, see remarks.

Triph. testâ turritâ, medio subcylindraceâ, anfractibus duodecim ad quatuordecim, triseriatim granulatis, granulis regularibus confertis, anfractuum suturis subimpressis; sordidè albâ.

Hab. China Sea.

Distinguished by its short, cylindrical form, and by the precise arrangement of the granules with which it is sculptured.

A turreted subcylindrical triphorid with twelve to fourteen triseriated whorls with regular granules and subimpressed sutures; dirty white.

Hab. China Sea

We found one specimen from the Cuming collection (NHMUK 1878.1.28.422). Its label specifies that it comes from the collection of H. Adams. This specimen has slightly fewer whorls (11) than stated in the original description (12–14), but has the fourth to sixth spiral cords (clearly visible on the base) completely smooth, while the original figure (Adams and Reeve 1850: pl. 11, fig. 33b) clearly shows that cord four and five bear well-defined granules. Therefore, we doubt that this specimen belongs to the type series and suggest that T. granulatus should be considered a nomen dubium.

Figure 11. 

Triphora sp. (labelled as Triphoris granulatus Adams & Reeve, 1850). A–H, J–L NHMUK 1878.1.28.422, China Sea, coll. H. Adams in coll. H. Cuming: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (F, G), original labels (H), aperture (J), peristome (K, L). I Original figures. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F, G: 0.2 mm; J–L: 0.5 mm.

“China Sea”.

Not found, see remarks.

Triph. testâ turritâ, anfractibus duodecim ad tredecim, eximiè triseriatim granuloso-carinulatis, suturis concavo-impressis, laevigatis; pellucido-albâ.

Hab. China Sea.

The aperture of this delicately grain-keeled species, which is characterized by its hollow sutures, is incomplete.

Turreted triphorid with twelve to thirteen triseriated whorls well developed with carinated granules, and concave-impressed smooth sutures; clear-white.

Hab. China Sea

The specimen preserved in the type collection of NHMUK (196513) has 10 whorls instead of the 12 to 13 stated in the original description. Adams and Reeve also highlighted that the studied specimen had an incomplete aperture and particularly hollow sutures. The specimen in NHMUK has an incomplete peristome and impressed sutures, although not unusually hollow for many triphorids. We refrain from considering these specimens as syntypes until further evidence is available. At present, T. suturalis should be considered a nomen dubium.

Figure 12. 

Triphora sp. (labelled as Triphoris suturalis Adams & Reeve, 1850), China Sea, coll. H. Cuming. A–I, K, L NHMUK 196513: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (F, G), nucleus (H), aperture (I), original label (K), peristome (L). J Original figures. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F, G: 0.2 mm; H: 0.1 mm; I, L: 0.5 mm.

“China Sea”.

Not found, see remarks.

Triph. testâ gracillimo-subulatâ, anfractibus octodecim ad viginti, granoso-clathratis, granis transversè oblongis; sordidè albâ.

Hab. China Sea.

A slender species, latticed throughout with transversely oblong granules.

Very slender subulate triphorid with eighteen to twenty granular-latticed whorls with transversely oblong granules; dirty white.

Hab. China Sea

One specimen was found in the type collection of the NHMUK (1878.1.28.483) but we doubt it is a syntype. The original description states that the species has 18 to 20 whorls, while the specimen found has only eight. The original figure shows a slender shell with several whorls, but little more can be inferred because it is poorly detailed. At present, T. verrucosus should be considered a nomen dubium.

Figure 13. 

Triphora sp. (labelled as Triphoris verrucosus Adams & Reeve, 1850), China Sea, coll. H. Adams in coll. H. Cuming. A–G, I NHMUK 1878.1.28.483: front (A), side (B), back (C), protoconch (D, E), original labels (F), aperture (G), peristome (I). H Original figures. Scale bars: A–C: 1 mm; D, E: 0.2 mm; G, I: 0.4 mm.

NE of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

NHMUK 1968760–3: 4 specimens (from original locality).

Biggs (1973) described and illustrated this species in his work on the Trucial Coast (Persian (Arabian) Gulf) but refrained from naming it because it lacked the apex. We agree that the presence of a complete apex is fundamental for the institution of any triphorid new species due to the important characters it bears as acknowledged by several authors (e.g. Barnard 1963; Marshall 1983; Bouchet and Strong 2010). We thus refrain from redescribing it because we have not been able to locate new suitable material. From the remnants of apexes on the examined material, the species likely bears a multispiral protoconch.

In the NHMUK collection, the specimens studied by Biggs have been located with the manuscript name insularum. They are labelled as “holotype” and “paratypes” although, pending a formal introduction of the name, these specimens are not name-bearing types. The label bears the locality “Trucial Oman Coast” and 1962 as collecting year. At the time, the United Arab Emirates had not been founded yet and the coastal emirates were known as Trucial States, a British Protectorate since 1819.

Figure 14. 

Triphora sp. (insularum Biggs ms). A–E “Holotype”, NHMUK 198760, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E). F–H “Paratypes”, NHMUK 198761–3: front views of Paratype A (F), B (G) and C (H). I Original labels of the “holotype”. J–L Original labels of “paratypes” A (J), B (K) and C (L). Scale bars: A–E, F–H: 1 mm.

“St. Vincent” [Gulf St Vincent, South Australia].

Syntypes: NHMUK 1870.10.26.127, 1 specimen, St. Vincent Gulf, South Australia (coll. G.F. Angas).

T. imperforata, sinistrorsa, conico-turrita, subelongata, tenuiuscula, brunnea; apice acuminato; sutura linearis, fere inconspicua; anfr. 15 planiusculi, embryonales 3 laeves, sequentes cingulis 3 granulorum (intermedio paulo minore) spiraliter impressi, ultimus quadricingulatus, transversim zona alba ornatus, basi brunneo-violacea; apertura oblique subquadrato-piriformis, intus brunneo lirata, margine columellari arcuato, externo flexuoso, in vicinio columellae ligulatim ascendente; canali brevi tubuliformi. — Long. 7 millim., diam. maj. 1 millim. 7/19.

Hab. in sinu “Saint-Vincent” dicto (coll. Angas).

Coquille imperforée, sénestre, de forme conico-turriculée, suballongée, assez mince et de couleur brune; le sommet est acuminé, la suture linéaire et Presque imperceptible. Les tours, au nombre de 15, sont aplatis; les trois premiers sont lisses, les suivants sont ornés transversalement de trois cercles de granulations assez grosses; celui du milieu est un peu plus petit que les autres, et tend même à disparaître dans les tours supérieurs; le dernier tour porte quatre cingulations au lieu de trois, et est orné d’une zone blanche transverse; sa partie basale est d’un brun violâtre. L’ouverture, située un peu obliquement, est plutôt piriforme que quadrangulaire, et marquée de quelques lignes brunes à l’intérieur. Le bord columellaire est arqué, le bord externe est flexueux et vient s’appliquer, en forme de languette, le long de la columelle. Le canal est court et tubuliforme. – La longueur totale de la coquille est de 7 millimètres, son plus grand diameter de 1 7/10.

Cette espèce provident du golfe de Saint-Vincent. Le T. hindsi, Deshayes (1), est, à notre connaissance, la forme qui s’en rapproche le plus sous le rapport du système de sculpture; mais les granulations sont proportionnellement plus grosses dans le T. angasi, qui compte, d’ailleurs, trois tours de spire de plus, et qui se distingue par son ouverture plus large et par la zone blanche de son dernier tour. Nous dédions cette espèce à M. French Angas.

Sinistral imperforated shell, turreted-conical, subelongated, rather slender, brown; sharp apex; linear suture more or less inconspicuous; 15 rather flat whorls, three light embryonic, subsequent with three spiral rows of granules (smaller intermediate), four on the last with a white spiral band, base violet-brown; subsquared, pyriform slanting aperture with brown lines inside, arched columellar edge, bending external lip ascending like a strip near the columella; short, tubular anterior siphon. Length 7 mm, major diameter 1 7/19 mm.

Habitat. In the gulf known as “St. Vincent” (coll. Angas).

Syntype 5.9 mm. Shell conical, with flat sides. Teleoconch of 11 whorls, with three spiral cords with tubercles at the intersection with opisthocline axial ribs. The second cord appears on the fifth whorl as a fine thread and becomes fully grown at mid-shell height. A fourth poorly sculptured cord is sometimes visible suprasuturally. Fine growth striae are visible, especially in the interspaces of cords and ribs. The peristome has a shallow posterior sinus and no additional cords. The siphonal canal is short. The base has two additional almost smooth spiral cords. The protoconch is multispiral, but the upper whorls are missing in the lectotype, impeding the quantification of the number of whorls. The lower three whorls have two spiral keels and axial riblets. Teleoconch brown with lighter tubercles, fourth spiral cord on the last whorl white, base deep brown, apex likely white (although worn in the lectotype).

This specimen may not be the one on which Crosse and Fischer based their original description, because it is smaller in size (5.9 vs 7 mm) and with fewer whorls (11 vs 15). However, it matches very well the original description and figure; the label (Fig. 15L) specifies that this is a “type”, from the type locality and collected by G.F. Angas (Crosse and Fischer specified that the new species was based on Angas’ material). Therefore, we consider this specimen as belonging to the type series.

Figure 15. 

Triphoris angasi Crosse & Fischer, 1865, Gulf St Vincent, South Australia, coll. G.F. Angas. A–J, L Syntype NHMUK 1870.10.26.127: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (F, I), peristome (G, J), aperture (H), original labels (L). K Original figures. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F, I: 0.2 mm; G, H, J: 0.5 mm.

“St. Vincent” [Gulf St Vincent, South Australia].

Not found (the specimen NHMUK 1870.10.26.126 labelled as “type” is not this species, see Remarks).

T. imperforata, sinistrorsa, turrita, elongata, tenuiuscula, subtranslucida, albida, fusco regulariter maculata; apice acuminato; anfr. 18, lentissime accrescentes, embryonales 3 laeves, caeteri cingulis 3 margaritularum elegantissimis transversim ornate (margaritulis regularibus, nitidis, lacteo-hyalinus), medio compresso, minimo, fere inconspicuo, basali multo majore, prominulo, et, infra cingulum basale, funiculo sat prominulo, fusco et albo articulato; ultimus brevis, basi laeviuscula, violaceabrunnea; apertura oblique subovata, margine columellari subarcuato, externo simplice; canali brevi. — Long. 8, diam. maj. 1 ½ millim.

Hab. in sinu “St. Vincent” dicto (coll. Angas).

Coquille imperforée, sénestre, allongée, turriculée, assez mince, subtranslucide et blanchâtre avec certaines de ses parties marquées de brun; le sommet est acuminé. Les tours, au nombre de 18, s’accroissent très-lentement; les 3 premiers sont lisses. Le système d’ornementation des autres est des plus élégants: il se compose de trois rangées transverses de petites perles régulières, brillantes et d’un blanc nacré transparent; la rangée médiane est petite, comme écrasée entre les deux autres, et difficile à apercevoir sans le secours d’un fort grossissement; celle qui est le plus près de la base dépasse les autres de beaucoup en dimension, et présente une forte saillie au-dessous de la rangée basale règne un petit cordonnet saillant, articulé de brun et de blanc, et se confondant avec la suture du tour suivant. Le dernier tour est assez court, sa partie basale est lisse et d’un brun violacé. L’ouverture est obliquement ovale, le bord columellaire subarqué, le bord externe simple et mince, le canal court. – La longueur totale de la coquille est de 8 millimètres, son plus grand diamètre de 1,5.

L’habitat de cette espèce est le meme que celui de la précédente. L’individu qui nous a été communiqué n’est probablement as complétement adulte, et nous ne pouvons, par conséquent, donner la description de l’ouverture que sous toutes réserves. Néanmoins, son système d’ornementation est si particulier, qu’il sera toujours facile de reconnaître l’espèce, meme sur un fragment.

Notre espèce se rapproche du T. mirificus de Deshayes, et plus encore du T. angustissimus du meme auteur (1). Elle est plus élancée que le premier, n’a pas, comme lui, de troisième ouverture, et compte trois rangs de perles et non deux. Elle est moins allongée que le second, et s’en distinguee par ses tours plus nombreux (18 au lieu de 14), ses trois rangées de tubercules margaritiformes, et son petit funicule saillant régulièrement articulé de blanc et de brun. Nous donnons à cette remarquable espèce le nom de M. Le docteur L. Pfeiffer, don’t les éminents travaux sont devenus classiques, en ce qui concerne la nomenclature des Mollusques terrestres.

Sinistral imperforated shell, turreted, elongated, rather slender, subtranslucent, whitish with regular brown spots; sharp apex; 18 very slowly growing whorls, three light embryonic, others with three very elegant spiral rows of pearls (regular, glossy, hyaline-milky pearls), the intermediate shrunk, rather inconspicuous, much more developed basally, slightly protruding, and, under the basal row a quite protruding dark white spotted cord; short last whorl, rather slender base, dark violet; subovate slanting aperture, subarched columellar edge, simple external lip; anterior siphon short. — Length 8, major diameter 1½ mm.

Habitat. In the gulf known as “St. Vincent” (coll. Angas).

The specimen found and labelled as “type” is remarkably different from the specimen figured by Crosse and Fischer and must not be considered as belonging to the type series. On the basis of the original description and figure, T. pfeifferi should be considered a junior synonym of Triphoris scitulus A. Adams, 1854 (see p. 172) as already suggested by Marshall (1983).

Figure 16. 

Triphora sp. (labelled as Triphoris pfeifferi Crosse & Fischer, 1865). A–G, I NHMUK 1870.10.26.126, St Vincent Gulf, South Australia, coll. G.F. Angas: front (A, B), side (C), back (D), original labels (E), microsculpture (F), protoconch (G, I). H Original figures. Scale bars: A–D: 1 mm; F: 0.5 mm; G, I: 0.2 mm.

Negritos and Iles aux Perles, Bay of Panama, Panama (de Folin 1867: 9); Iles aux Perles, Panama fide Kisch (1960).

Not found.

Testa elongato-turgidula, apice acuminata, alba, fusco marmorata; anfractibus septedecimis, sutura simplici junctis; prioribus liris duobus spiralibus, margaritis notatis; sequentibus inaequaliter triliratis; ultimo margaritarum seriebus quinis vel sextis ornato, testae ¼ adaequante; apertura subcirculari in canalem brevem, obliquum, clausum, desinente.

Long. 0,0075. Diam. 0,0019, 0.002.

Très curieuse espèce, allongée, un peu ventrue, très acuminée, de couleur blanche marbrée de brun, se fondant en des nuances légères, quelquefois d’un brun foncé, marbrée par des atténuations de teintes. Cette fort jolie coquille est composée de dix-sept tours de spire qui sont réunis par une suture simple, assez profonde. Le dernier de ces tours équivaut au quart environ de la longueur totale de la coquille. Ils sont ornés, les premiers, de deux cordons, puis de trois, le dernier de cinq et même de six. Sur les tours ornés de trois, le cordon du milieu est plus petit que les deux autres. Ils sont séparés par des sillons assez étroits, et sont divisés par une série de perles arrondies du plus gracieux effet. L’ouverture est presque circulaire et présente un caractère assez singulier. Le bord gauche, simple et crénelé, décrit les trois quarts environ d’un cercle et vient, en passant par dessus la columelle, retomber sur la base de la coquille; en cet endroit il forme un angle très-aigu suivant lequel il se rejette en arrière, suit une autre courbe et produit un canal arrondi fort court qui se trouve ainsi presqu’entièrement recouvert. Le bord droit s’arrondit lui-même en s’inclinant vivement pour rejoindre la base sur laquelle il termine la courbure de l’ouverture.

Swollen-elongated shell, sharp apex, white, dark marbled; seventeen whorls with a plain suture; earliest with two spiral rows of granules; subsequent with three unequal rows; last with five or six series of granules, as large as ¼ of the shell; subcircular aperture ending in a short, slanting, closed canal.

Length 0.0075. Diam 0.0019, 0.002.

The lot NHMUK 1984153 contains two labels stating “De Folin’s syntype in coll. Sykes” signed by A. Blake and “Triphora cucullata Folin, Panama (Folin coll.)”. However, the specimen is very different from what was described by de Folin and from the original figure (Fig. 17G). T. cucullatus is described as having 17 whorls while the shell found has seven whorls (although a few may be lacking because the apex is incomplete). In addition, the pointed profile is missing, and the original figure shows a colour pattern with a dark first spiral cord on a white background which is the opposite of the one of the shells. Therefore, we do not consider this specimen belonging to the type series.

Figure 17. 

Triphora sp. (labelled as Triphoris cucullatus de Folin, 1867), Panama, coll. E.R. Sykes. A–G NHMUK 1984153: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), peristome (F), original labels (G). H Original figure of T. cucullatus. Scale bars: A–E: 0.5 mm; F: 0.3 mm.

New Guinea.

Holotype: NHMUK 1879.2.26.203, fixed by monotypy (coll. E. Belcher).

Testa gracili attenuata; anfractibus 24–26, superne valde coarctatis, inferne angulatis, serie duplici granulorum; prope suturam granuloso-carinata. Axis 6 lin.

Geog. New Guinea; dredged from a muddy bottom in 8 fathoms.

The only specimen of this species in the collection has an injured mouth. It is remarkable for its long needle-like shape; and the upper portion of each whorl being strangulated, and the lower angular and with a series of tubercles, the shell has a very rough and jagged appearance.

Slender shell; 24–26 whorls, very narrow upper portion and angulated lower portion, with two series of tubercles; near the suture a granulated carina. Height 6 lines.

Holotype 8.5 mm high and bearing 13 whorls, but the specimen lacks several apical whorls. The shell is extremely elongated. Teleoconch whorls have three tuberculated spiral cords, the first is smaller and appears later along the spire; the third is the most prominent. A suprasutural smooth cord is visible in the last whorls. The holotype is a subadult, and thus its peristome, sinuses, and base cannot be described. The apex is missing too. The teleoconch is white.

Figure 19. 

Triphoris asperrimus Hinds, 1843, New Guinea, coll. E. Belcher. A–F Holotype, NHMUK 1879.2.26.203: front (A, B), side (C), back (D), microsculpture (E), original labels (F). G Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bar: A–D: 1 mm; E: 0.2 mm.

Straits of Malacca.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.206: 3 specimens, Straits of Malacca (coll. T. Lombe Taylor).

Testa attenuata pallida; anfractibus quindecim tricarinatis; carina inferiore paululum maxima marmorata, media minima; apertura rotundata; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 3 lin.

Geog. Straits of Malacca; dredged from a muddy bottom in 20 fathoms.

Slender pale shell; fifteen whorls with three spiral cords; the lower carina is marbled and a little bit more developed, the intermediate is the smallest; mouth rounded; open posterior sinus. Height 3 lines.

Syntypes ranging in size from 6.7 to 7.5 mm. Teleoconch cyrtoconoid, with flat whorls. Syntype 1 (Fig. 20A–F) teleoconch of 12 whorls, ornamented by three undulated spiral keels; the second being narrower and appearing on the fourth teleoconch whorl. A fourth fine smooth suprasutural cord is visible in the lower part of the shell. Axial prosocline fine growth lines are visible especially on the lower part of the teleoconch. On the last whorl, keels become tuberculated and the profile becomes angulated. The peristome shows an additional tuberculated spiral keel. Siphonal canal quite long. Base flat with an additional smooth spiral cord. Protoconch of six whorls: protoconch I of two apparently smooth whorls, but the preservation of this part of the shell is suboptimal. Protoconch II of four whorls with one spiral keel on the first two, and two on the last two; axial riblets are visible on all four whorls. The protoconch is brown, whereas the teleoconch has a creamy white background colour with orange blotches. The interspaces between the tubercules of the third keel are often orange-brown.

Figure 20. 

Triphoris bilix Hinds, 1843, Straits of Malacca, coll. T. Lombe Taylor. A–F, J, L Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.206/1: front (A, B), side (C), back (D), protoconch (E, F), microsculpture (J), peristome (L). G–I Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.206/2: front (G), side (H), back (I). K Original labels. M Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–D, G–I: 1 mm; E, F, J, L: 0.2 mm.

Straits of Malacca.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1844.6.7.30: 3 specimens, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher); NHMUK 1879.2.26.211: 1 specimen (coll. T. Lombe Taylor).

Testa pallide rufente; anfractibus 15–18 bicarinatis; carinis albo maculatis; inter carinas cancellata lineis albis longitudinalibus intervallis fuscis; sutura sulcata; apertura subquadrata; sinu laterali margine contracta. Axis 4½ lin.

Geog. Straits of Malacca; in 2 fathoms.

Pale reddish shell; 15–18 whorls with two spiral cords which bear white spots; a cancellate space with longitudinal white lines and dark intervals occurs between the cords; incised suture; subquadrate aperture; posterior sinus with shrinked edge. Height 4½ lines.

Syntype 1 (Fig. 21A–G) 8 mm high. Shell cyrtoconoid with 15 teleoconch whorls whose sides are characterized by two prominent smooth spiral cords. In between, a fine tuberculated spiral cord develops; on the first whorls, it appears as a fine thread. Axial riblets are present between the cords. The last whorl has a fourth, weakly tuberculated, spiral cord and the base shows an additional smooth spiral cord. The peristome shows an additional spiral cord between the first and the second and fine spiral threads between main cords. Siphonal canal long. Posterior sinus deep. The protonch is multispiral and composed of six whorls. The first two have numerous rounded tubercles; on the third and fourth, there are axial riblets and an equally strong spiral keel positioned abapically; on the last two whorls, a second strong spiral keel develops apically. The teleoconch orange with white flammulae. The second spiral cord on whorls has white tubercles and deep orange to brown interstices. The protoconch is brown.

Figure 21. 

Triphoris cancellatus Hinds, 1843. A–G Syntype NHMUK 1844.6.7.30/1, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher): front (A, B), side (C), back (D), protoconch (E), original labels (F), peristome (G). H–K, M Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.211, Straits of Malacca (coll. T. Lombe Taylor): front (H), nucleus (I), protoconch (J, K), original labels (M). L Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–D, H: 1 mm; E, J, K: 0.2 mm; I: 0.05 mm; G: 0.5 mm.

“Port Carteret, New Ireland” [Papua New Guinea].

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.205, 1 specimen, Port Carteret, New Ireland (coll. T. Lombe Taylor).

Testa pallida; anfractibus quatuordecim triseriatim granulosis, serie media minima, infra duas superiores sulcatis; apertura subquadrata; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 3 lin.

Geog. Port Carteret, New Ireland; among fine gravel at low water.

The sulcus, which traverses the whorl transversely, will readily distinguish this species.

Pale shell, fourteen whorls with three series of granules, the intermediate series is the smallest, under the upper ones with two series; subquadrate aperture, open posterior sinus. Height 3 lines.

Syntype 4.6 mm high. Shell cyrtoconoid with nine whorls with flat sides. Such whorls are ornamented by three spiral cords with tubercles at the intersection with the prosocline axial ribs. The second cord develops at mid-teleoconch and is initially a fine thread. Among the main cords, fine spiral threads are visible. A fourth tuberculated cord is present on the last whorl and the base has one more. The peristome shows additional spiral cords between the main ones. The posterior sinus is shallow, the siphonal canal short. The protoconch is missing. The teleoconch is brown to orange with darker interspaces between the spiral cords.

Figure 22. 

Triphoris carteretensis Hinds, 1843, Port Carteret, New Ireland, coll. T. Lombe Taylor. A–E, G, H Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.205: front (A, B), side (C), back (D), original labes (E), microsculpture (G), peristome (H). F Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–D: 1 mm; G–H: 0.5 mm.

“St. Vincent’s”, Caribbean.

Syntypes: NHMUK 196536: 1 specimen, and NHMUK 196537: 1 specimen, both St Vincent, Caribbean (J.E. Gray coll.).

Testa parva; anfractibus duodecim, biseriatim eleganter granosis; serie inferiore parva fusca, superiore maxima margaritacea; apertura rotunda; sinu laterali postico tubiformi. Axis 2 lin.

Geog. St. Vincent’s, West Indies; Rev. W. J. Guilding. Cab. Gray et Metcalfe.

Small shell; twelve whorls with two finely granulated rows; dark smaller lower row, whitish bigger upper one; rounded aperture; lateral sinus posteriorly tubular. Height 2 lines.

Syntype NHMUK 196536 4.9 mm high. Shell conical, with nine flat whorls bearing two strongly tubercled spiral cords. The base has one additional tubercled spiral cord. Siphonal canal quite long, with two spiral ridges, posterior canal tubular and ca 1 mm more interiorly than the lip. Protoconch paucispiral of 1.5 whorls. Shell white with an orange stripe on the second spiral cord.

Rolán and Fernández-Garcés (1993) stated that a lectotype designation was in progress by Moolenbeek and Faber, but the paper was never published (M. Faber, pers. comm., May 2014).

Figure 23. 

Triphoris castus Hinds, 1843, St Vincent, Caribbean, J.E. Gray coll. A–E Syntype NHMUK 196536: front (A), side (B), back (C), apex (D), siphonal canal (E). F–J Syntype NHMUK 196537: front (F), side (G), back (H), upper teleoconch whorls (I) and peristome (J). K Original labels. Scale bars: A–C: 1 mm; D–J: 0.5 mm. Images are property of the NHMUK, courtesy of H. Taylor, NHMUK Photographic Unit.

Straits of Malacca.

Syntypes: NHMUK 196540: 1 specimen, Straits of Malacca (H. Cuming coll.).

Testa cornea nitenti; anfractibus quindecim triseriatim granulosis; serie media parva ad inferiorem appropinquante; inferiore prominulo-margaritacea; anfractus ultimi granulis parvis; sutura sulcata; apertura rotunda; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 3 lin.

Geog. Straits of Malacca; from 20 fathoms, mud.

Bright brown shell; fifteen whorls with three series of granules; the small intermediate one closer to the lower which is pearly grey; last whorls with small granules; grooved suture; rounded aperture; open posterior sinus. Height 3 lines.

Syntype 5.7 mm high. Shell conical with flat sides. The teleoconch has 12 flat whorls ornamented by three spiral cords with large rounded tubercles at the interstices with prosocline axial ribs. The second cord appears on the seventh whorl and is initially very narrow. A fourth suprasutural smooth cord is present which develops into a fully tuberculated cord on the last whorl. The base has two more tuberculated cords. Fine spiral threads are also visible among the main cords. The peristome is incomplete in the holotype hindering its description. Siphonal canal short. In the holotype, the protoconch is incomplete but clearly multispiral. Three whorls are visible and ornamented by two strong spiral keels and several equally strong axial riblets. The teleoconch has a whitish background with pearly tubercles and orange interstices. Protoconch brown.

Figure 24. 

Triphoris clemens Hinds, 1843, Straits of Malacca, coll. H. Cuming. A–I Syntype NHMUK 196540: front (B, C), side (A, D), back (E), microsculpture (F), peristome (G), protoconch (H), original labels (I). J Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F, G: 0.5 mm; H: 0.1 mm.

Island of Corregidor, Philippine Islands.

Syntypes: NHMUK 196518: 1 specimen, Philippines (H. coll. H. Cuming).

Tri. (Mastonia) testâ ovatâ, acuminatâ; anfractibus duodecim biseriatim granulosis, serie inferiore paululùm maximâ, margaritaceâ, superiore pallidè fuscâ; anfractu ultimo quadriseriatìm subaequaliter catenato. Axis 4 lin.

Hab. Island of Corregidor, Philippine Islands.

Found among coarse sand at a depth of six fathoms. Many of these small shells have received an injury which has destroyed the mouth, and the present specimen has not escaped.

Triphora (Mastonia) with ovate pointed shell; 12 whorls with two series of granules, the lower a little bit larger, pearly, the upper faintly brown; last whorl with rather equal four cords. Height 4 lines.

The examined syntype is 6.6 mm high. Shell cyrtoconoid, with flat whorls. The examined specimen lacks the apical part, but it has 11 whorls with two spiral cords ornamented by large tubercles at the intersection with prosocline axial ribs. A third very fine cord is visible below the first one on the last two to three whorls. Among the main cords, numerous finely tuberculated narrow spiral cords can be seen. Peristome and apex missing. Moderately long siphonal canal. The base has two additional, weakly granulated, spiral cords. The teleoconch has the upper spiral cord brown with paler tubercles and the lower spiral cord white. The last whorl has a distinct pattern of white tubercles and brown interspaces.

The locus typicus of T. collaris is the Island of Corregidor in the Philippines. Although this locality is indicated in modern labels accompanying this lot in the NHMUK, an old label reports “Sandwich I.” (Fig. 25F). Hinds stated in the original description the existence of several specimens and we can assume that this specimen is a syntype, although not topotypic. In the same lot, two more specimens were present, but they belong to completely different species, as already annotated by S.P. Dance in 1965.

Figure 25. 

Triphoris collaris Hinds, 1843, Baclayon, Bohol Island, Philippines, coll. H. Cuming. A–F Syntype NHMUK 196518: front (A, B), side (C), back (D), microsculpture (E), original labels (F). Scale bars: A–D: 1 mm; E: 0.5 mm.

Straits of Malacca.

Lectotype: NHMUK 1844.6.7.27/1, here designated (coll. E. Belcher). Paralectotypes: NHMUK 1844.6.7.27/2: 1 specimen, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher); NHMUK 1879.2.26.200/1: 1 specimen (broken into two parts), Straits of Malacca (coll. T. Lombe Taylor).

Testa cylindracea; anfractibus viginti-duo triseriatim granulosis; serie media paululum minima; sutura lineata; apertura rotundata; sinu laterali tubiformi. Axis 6 lin.

Geog. Straits of Malacca; in 18 fathoms.

Cylindrical shell; twenty-two whorls with three rows of granules; the median a little bit smaller; linear suture; rounded aperture; tubiform posterior sinus. Height 6 lines.

Lectotype 10.4 mm high. Shell cyrtoconoid, with 20 flat-sided whorls with three spiral cords with tubercles. The second row develops later on the spire and on the last whorls a fourth smooth suprasutural cord is visible. Slightly prosocline axial ribs intersect the spiral cords forming the tubercles. Numerous fine spiral striae are visible between the main cords on the lower whorls. Additional spiral cords are visible on the peristome. The posterior sinus is tubular. The base has no additional spiral cords. The protoconch is absent in the type series, but a small remnant suggests it to be brown and multispiral. The teleoconch is dirty white.

Lot NHMUK 1879.2.26.200 contains also one subadult specimen that is broader, bears a different sculpture, and thus may not be this species. The lectotype was thus designated to univocally define the morphology of this taxon and stabilize the nomenclature. The lectotype is the best preserved specimen and the only one to bear remnants of the protoconch,

Figure 26. 

Triphoris concors Hinds, 1843, Straits of Malacca, coll. E. Belcher. A–E, G–I Lectotype NHMUK 1844.6.7.27/1: front (B, C), side (A, D), back (E), original labels (G), peristome (H), microsculpture (I). F Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–E: 2 mm; H, I: 0.5 mm.

New Guinea and Straits of Malacca.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.195: 3 specimens , New Guinea and Straits of Malacca (J. Lombe Taylor coll.); NHMUK 1998167/1–5: 5 specimens, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher).

Testa cornea; anfractibus 17–20 bicarinatis, inter carinas corrugatis, medio carina secondaria; sutura leviter carinata; apertura rotunda; sinu laterali lineari. Axis 6½ lin.

Geog. New Guinea; dredged from 23 fathoms, among fine gravel. Straits of Malacca; from 18 to 23 fathoms.

Brown shell; 17–20 bicarinated whorls with corrugated interspaces, smaller median carina; slightly carinated suture; round aperture; linear posterior sinus. Height 6½ lines.

Adult specimens of the type series range between 11.2 and 14.2 mm. Shell conical and very elongated. The teleoconch has 17 flat sides with three strong smooth spiral cords. The second whorl develops later along the teleoconch and is initially weakly undulated as a result of the intersection with prosocline axial riblets which are well developed in the lectotype. A fourth smooth spiral cord is visible on the last whorls. An additional spiral cord develops between the second and the third and is clearly visible on the peristome. The base has two additional smooth spiral cords. Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.195/2 (but see Remarks and Fig. 27A–D) bears a multispiral brown protoconch; the first whorl and half are smooth with numerous rounded tubercles. Three whorls follow with strong axial riblets intersecting one spiral keel in the first and two spiral keels in the following whorls. The original description suggested the species to be brown, but some specimens show darker fletches.

Specimens belonging to these lots show variable strength of the prosocline axial ribs between the main cords. Hinds highlighted in the original description the presence of strong axial ribs and likely named the species after it. The significance of this character for species delimitation has still to be understood. Moreover, two colour forms are present in the type series: syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.195/2 (Fig. 27A–D, H, I) shows a colouration of light spiral cords on a brown background, whereas the syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.195/1 (Fig. 27F–G) is brown with darker flammulae. Therefore, this syntype may belong to a different species of this complex group.

This name has been used for the first Indo-Pacific triphorid species detected in the Mediterranean Sea, likely introduced through the Suez Canal. Notwithstanding the complexity of the group, the introduced species in the Mediterranean Sea probably best matches Viriola bayani Jousseaume, 1884 (Steger et al. 2018).

Figure 27. 

Triphoris corrugatus Hinds, 1843. A–D, H, I Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.195/2, New Guinea and Straits of Malacca (J. Lombe-Taylor coll.): front (A, B), side (C), back (D), protoconch (H, I). E, J Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.195/3, New Guinea and Straits of Malacca (J. Lombe-Taylor coll.): front (E), protoconch (J). F, G, L–N Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.195/1: front (F), side (G), peristome (L, M), microsculpture (N), K Figure in Hinds 1844. O Original labels lot NHMUK 1879.2.26.195. Scale bars: A–G: 1 mm; H, I: 0.2 mm; J: 0.05 mm; L–N: 0.5 mm

Straits of Malacca.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.197: 1 specimen, Straits of Malacca (J. Lombe Taylor coll.).

Testa alba, fusco marmorata; anfractibus 16–18 quater carinatis; carinis duobus primariis, inferiore maximo; duobus secondariis alternantibus; carinis omnibus maculis albis et fuscis ornatis. Apertura rotundata, sinu laterali patulo. Axis 4½ lin.

Geog. Straits of Malacca; from 20 fathoms, mud.

White shell marbled with brown; 16–18 four-keeled whorls; two larger carinae, the greatest in the lower part of the whorl; two smaller carinae alternated; all carinae with white and brown spots. Rounded aperture, open posterior sinus. Height 4½ lines.

Syntype 8.1 mm high. Shell cyrtoconoid, with flat sides. Teleoconch with 14 whorls bearing four spiral cords which are smooth, with the exception of the third which is undulated. Spiral microsculpture can be observed between the main cords. The peristome and posterior canal are missing in the holotype. The anterior canal is very elongated and bears two strong smooth spiral cords. The last whorl is strongly angulated at the periphery; the base bears an additional undulated strong spiral cord. The apex is missing in the holotype, but remnants of the last protoconch whorl point to a multispiral type. Such last whorl has two spiral keels and axial riblets. The teleoconch has a white background with brown to orange flammulae; the protoconch visible last whorl is brown.

Figure 28. 

Triphoris elegans Hinds, 1843, Straits of Malacca, J. Lombe-Taylor coll. A–G Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.197: side (A, B), front (C), back (D), protoconch (E), microsculpture (F), original labels (G). H Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–D: 1 mm; E: 0.1 mm; F: 0.5 mm.

New Guinea.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.194/1: 1 specimen, New Guinea, (coll. T. Lombe Taylor).

Testa valde elongata; anfractibus 25–28 planulatis, quadriseriatim granulosis, inferior paululum maxima ad basin granulorum punctatis. Axis 11 lin.

Geog. New Guinea; dredged from a muddy bottom at 18 fathoms.

This is the largest species with which I am acquainted. The colour would appear to be brown, but, as the specimens are dead, they cannot be relied on.

Shell very elongated; 25–28 plain whorls with four rows of granules, the lowest a little bit larger, base dotted by granules. Height 11 lines.

Syntype broken into two pieces: the abapical and apical ones are 9.5 mm and 3.7 mm, respectively. Shell extremely elongated, cylindrical, with very flat sides. Whorls with four tuberculated spiral cords. The first is initially smooth. The third cord develops later and initially just as a fine thread. Axial ribs prosocline. Apex and base lacking in the available syntype. Syntype background teleoconch colour white, with orange blotches, but likely faded; the original figure shows a deeper brown-orange colour.

A “potential” lectotype (NHMUK 196542) had been selected by S. Kosuge in 1965 but then lost while on loan to B. Marshall in 1979. This lectotype designation has never been published and is not deemed valid (as many other “potential” lecto- and paralectotypes of triphorids in NHMUK). A photograph (negative no. 0810) is available (Fig. 29A) and shows a specimen which hardly matches the original description and the figure by Hinds (1844) in the Zoology of the Sulphur. In particular, T. gigas is characterized by three tuberculated spiral cords of equal size plus a smaller subsutural one, while the lost “potential” lectotype has clearly two main cords and a smaller subsutural one. The lot NHMUK 1879.2.26.194 contains two specimens belonging to two different species. The first specimen (Fig. 29F, I, J) likely belongs to T. gigas: it is a juvenile specimen and the third cord is visible between the second and the last as a fine thread (see under T. princeps Sowerby III 1904, Figure 97F, the unidentified specimen that is likely a mature T. gigas). The second specimen (Fig. 29D, E) has more rounded whorls with two tuberculated spiral cords and strong smooth supra- and subsutural spiral cords which do not appear in T. gigas. Lot NHMUK 196543 (Fig. 29B, C) was also labelled as “potential lectotype” but the shell is more conical and an additional spiral cord develops lately between the first and the second, instead of between the second and the third like in T. gigas.

Figure 29. 

A Triphora sp. (labelled as “potential” lectotype of Triphoris gigas Hinds, 1843), NHMUK 196542, New Guinea, coll. H. Cuming. B, C Triphora sp. (labelled as “potential” lectotype of Triphoris gigas Hinds, 1843), NHMUK 196543, New Guinea, coll. H. Cuming: front (B), back (C). D, E Triphora sp. (labelled as “potential” paralectotype of Triphoris gigas Hinds, 1843), NHMUK 1879.2.26.194/2, New Guinea; coll. T. Lombe Taylor: front (D), back (E). F, I, J Triphoris gigas Hinds, 1843, syntype, NHMUK 1879.2.26.194/1, New Guinea; coll. T. Lombe Taylor: apical fragment (F), abapical fragment front (I) and back (J). H Figure in Hinds 1844. I Original labels lot NHMUK 1879.2.26.194. Scale bars: A–F, I–J: 2 mm.

“The Mediterranean Sea”.

Holotype: NHMUK 1874.9.9.2, fixed by monotypy (J.E. Gray coll.).

Testa ovali; anfractibus decem, superioribus biseriatim granulosis moniliferis, duabus inferioribus triseriatim, serie media minima. Axis 4½ lin.

Geog. The Mediterranean Sea. Cab. Gray.

The single specimen of this very pretty shell has the mouth much injured.

Oval shell; ten whorls, the upper ones with two rows of granules, the lower ones with three rows, the intermediate the smallest. Height 4½ lines.

Holotype 8.2 mm high. Shell cyrtoconoid and rather broad. Teleoconch of 10 visible whorls, but likely the very first whorls are missing. Teleoconch whorls have two very strong spiral cords bearing large tubercles at the intersection with orthocline axial ribs. In the second half of the shell, a third finer one develops and a fine smooth suprasutural cord is also visible. Spiral microsculpture is also visible between the main cords. The base has one tuberculated and one smooth additional cords. The peristome is incomplete, but bears an additional spiral cord between the third and the fourth. The siphonal canal is well developed with additional smooth cords. The apex is missing. The teleoconch has a whitish background visible between the main cords which are deep orange in the interspaces and bear creamy tubercles.

This has not been recognized as a Mediterranean species (Bouchet 1985). In contrast, it is remarkably similar to the shell identified as Monophorus cf. thiriotae Bouchet, 1985 illustrated by Rolán (1993, 2001, 2005: 327) from the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Islands and other localities in West Africa.

Figure 30. 

Triphoris grayii Hinds, 1843, J.E. Gray coll. A–H Holotype, NHMUK 1874.9.9.2: front (B, C), side (A, D), back (E), aperture (F), microsculpture (G), original labels (H). Scale bars: A–F: 1 mm; G: 0.3 mm.

Straits of Malacca.

Lectotype: NHMUK 1879.2.26.202/1, here designated (J. Lombe Taylor coll.). Paralectotypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.202/2, 1 specimen, Malacca (J. Lombe Taylor coll.); NHMUK 1844.6.7.12, Malacca, 1 specimen (coll. E. Belcher).

Testa rosea; anfractibus 16–18, superficie laevigata, bisulcatis; marginibus sulcorum granulatis; sutura sulcata, marginibus granulatis apertura subquadrata, sinu laterali parvo patulo. Axis 5½ lin. This shell is very remarkably characterized. The surface is perfectly smooth, and of an agreeable rose-colour; but each whorl is divided into three unequal parts by two furrows. The margins of each furrow, and of the depressed line which marks the course of the suture, are provided with a series of horizontal granulations, which look towards each other and do not appear above the surface of the shell, but under a magnifying glass display an appearance which seems to justify the specific name.

Pink shell; 16–18 whorls with a smooth surface with two grooves whose margins are granulated; deep suture, subquadrate aperture with granulated margin, slightly open posterior sinus. Height 5½ lines.

The lectotype is a subadult, but the paralectotype is 9.9 mm high. Shell conical and elongated. The lectotype has 17 flat whorls, but the apical part is missing. The three spiral cords have broad flat coalescent tubercles. The base has two more spiral cords with similar tubercles and a depression between the fifth cord and the siphonal canal which is short. The peristome has no additional cords and bears a shallow posterior canal. The protoconch is absent in the types, but remnants of its last whorl suggest a multispiral type. Teleoconch pink, protoconch brown.

Specimens with indistinguishable teleoconch sculpture, colour and overall appearance, but with paucispiral protoconch were found in Vanuatu. Consequently, we designated as lectotype of T. maxillaris a specimen that, although subadult, retains the last whorl of a typical planktotrophic protoconch (Fig. 31K, L) to unambiguously identify this species.

Figure 31. 

Triphoris maxillaris Hinds, 1843. A–F, H Paralectotype, NHMUK 1844.6.7.12, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher): front (A), side (B, C), back (D), aperture (E), peristome (F), original labels (H). G, I, K, L Lectotype NHMUK 1879.2.26.202/1, Straits of Malacca (Mrs J. Lombe-Taylor coll.): front (G), original labels (I), protoconch (K, L). J Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–D: 2 mm; E, F: 0.5 mm; G: 1 mm; K, L: 0.1 mm.

New Guinea.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1844.6.7.10: 1 specimen, and NHMUK 1844.6.7.11: 1 specimen, both New Guinea (coll. E. Belcher); NHMUK 1879.2.26.209, 2 specimens (coll. T. Lombe Taylor).

Testa gracili attenuata, fusca; anfractibus 20–22, supra coarctatis, triseriatim granulosis, serie inferiore maxima albida, superiore minima; apertura subquadrata; sinu laterali lineari. Axis 6 lin.

Geog. New Guinea; dredged from mud in from 5 to 18 fathoms.

Slender, dark shell; 20–22 whorls, narrow above, with three series of granules, the whitish lower is the greatest, the upper one is the smallest; subquadrate aperture; linear posterior sinus. Height 6 lines.

Syntypes 12.2–13.3 mm high. Shell conical, narrow and very elongated. Teleoconch of ca 20 whorls with flat sides bearing three spiral cords with large tubercles at the intersection with prosocline axial ribs. The base has two additional almost smooth spiral cords. The last half whorl and peristome bear additional spiral cords between the main ones. Anterior siphonal canal long. The lectotype protonch is incomplete and worn but clearly multispiral and composed of at least four whorls with two strong keels; axial riblets are also likely present. Shell white to creamy-white.

The syntypes NHMUK 1844.6.7.10 and 1844.6.7.11 are broken into two fragments.

Figure 32. 

Triphoris micans Hinds, 1843. A–F, I Syntype NHMUK 1844.6.7.10, New Guinea (coll. E. Belcher): front (A), side (B), back (C), protoconch (D, E), microsculpture (F), original labels (I). G, H, K Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.209, New Guinea (coll. T. Lombe Taylor): front (G), back (H), original labels (K). J Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–C, G, H: 2 mm; D, E: 0.2 mm; F: 0.3 mm.

Straits of Malacca.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.208: 3 specimens, Straits of Malacca (coll. T. Lombe Taylor); NHMUK 1844.6.7.28–29, 2 specimens, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher).

Testa parva, elegantissime monili; anfractibus decem biseriatim granulosis; granulis seriei inferioris albis intervallis rubris, supremae albis; apertura subquadrata, sinu laterali angusto. Axis 2⅓ lin.

Geog. Straits of Malacca; in 18 to 23 fathoms, mud. The manner in which the lower series of markings is repeated in the last whorl is very evident in this species, though to be met with in nearly the whole. Thus, the series of beading, which is single on the upper whorls, will here be found to be double on the last.

Small shell, elegant like a jewel; ten whorls with two series of granules; the lower series with white granules with red interspaces, the upper one white; subquadrate aperture, narrow posterior sinus. Height 2⅓ lines.

Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.208/1 (Fig. 33A–G) 4.4 mm high. Shell conical and rather broad. Teleoconch of nine whorls with two main spiral cords bearing tubercles at the intersection with prosocline axial ribs. A fine third cord develops on the last whorl and numerous fine punctuated spiral striae are present between the main cords. A fourth and fifth smooth spiral cords are visible on the base. The peristome bears a deep posterior sinus and additional spiral cords near the lip. Anterior siphonal canal short. Protoconch multispiral of 5 whorls. The first is apparently smooth, while the others bear a strong spiral keel and axial riblets. Protoconch brown. Teleoconch with a creamy white background and orange interspaces between tubercles.

Figure 33. 

Triphoris monilifer Hinds, 1843, Straits of Malacca, coll. T. Lombe Taylor. A–G Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.208/1: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (F, G). H–K Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.208/2: front (H, I), peristome (J, K). L Figure in Hinds 1844. M–N Original labels of lot 1879.2.26.208. Scale bars: A–E, H–K: 0.5 mm; F, G: 0.1 mm.

Baclayon, island of Bohol, Philippines.

Holotype: NHMUK 196517, fixed by monotypy (H. coll. H. Cuming).

Tri. (Ino) testâ cylindraceâ, elongatâ, acuminatâ, anfractibus 18–20, tricarinatïs; carinis inaequalibus, inferiore multo maximâ, duobus superioribus parvis aequalibus; aperturâ quadratâ. Axis 8½ lin.

The only specimen of this shell is dead and imperfect. It is, however, slightly mottled with brown, being most probably the remains of a uniform colour. It is rendered very distinct from any species hitherto described by the manner of its keeling. A faint elevated line would also appear to traverse the course of the suture.

Hab. Baclayon, island of Bohol, Philippines. Found under stones at low water.

Cylindrical shell, elongated, acuminate, 18–20 whorls, with three keels of unequal size, the lowest keel by far the largest, the two above equal and smaller; aperture quadrate. Height 8½ lines.

Holotype 18.9 mm. Shell extremely elongated with flat whorls. It lacks the apical part and a portion of the last whorl. The specimen has 15 whorls, with three spiral keels: the third is very prominent whereas the first two are smaller and of equal size. Between these keels, there are prosocline axial threads. Siphonal canal long, peristome missing in the holotype. The base bears one additional strong keel and a second smaller one. A third faint one runs on the siphonal canal. Apex missing in the holotype. Teleoconch worn, but apparently whitish with brown blotches.

Figure 34. 

Triphoris pagodus Hinds, 1843, Baclayon, Bohol Island, Philippines, coll. H. Cuming. A–D Holotype, NHMUK 196517: front (A), side (B), back (C), original labels (D). Scale bar: A–C: 2 mm.

“Pacific Ocean?”

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.212: 1 specimen, South Pacific Ocean (coll. T. Lombe Taylor).

Testa ovali; anfractibus decem biseriatim granulosis, seriebus corneis, medio laevigato roseo serie tertia parva; apertura rotundata. Axis 3½ lin.

Geog. Pacific Ocean? Cab. Metcalfe.

Shell oval; 10 whorls with two granulated brownish cords; in the middle, a third small smooth pink cord; rounded aperture. Height 3½ lines.

Syntype 5.5 mm high. Shell conical with 10 visible flat whorls, but the apical part is missing. Two main spiral cords run on the whorls; a third develops in between, initially as a fine thread and then as a fully-grown cord on the last whorl. Large, subrectangular tubercles are present at the intersection with slightly prosocline axial ribs. The last whorl and the base have three additional weakly tuberculated spiral cords. Very fine microsculpture is visible between the main spiral cords and axial ribs. The peristome has a very shallow posterior sinus and apparently does not bear additional spiral cords. The protoconch is missing in the syntype. Teleoconch light orange with pink to pearly lower spiral cords.

Figure 35. 

Triphoris roseus Hinds, 1843, South Pacific Ocean, coll. T. Lombe Taylor. A–I Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.212: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), peristome (F, G), microsculpture (H), original labels (I). J Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F, G: 0.5 mm; H: 0.2 mm.

“New Ireland” [Papua New Guinea].

Syntypes: NHMUK 1844.6.7.22–26: 5 specimens, New Ireland (coll. E. Belcher); NHMUK 1879.2.26.192/1–5: 5 specimens, New Ireland and Straits of Malacca (J. Lombe Taylor coll.).

Testa rufa; anfractibus undecim biseriatim granulosis, seriebus subdistantibus suturam obtegentibus; apertura rotundata; sinu laterali margine contracto. Axis 4 lin.

Geog. New Ireland; numerous among fine gravel at low water. Straits of Malacca; in 20 fathoms.

Its reddish colour and double series of tubercles will readily distinguish this shell. In some of the specimens, a small intermediate series is about to make its appearance on the one or two inferior whorls.

Shell red; 11 whorls with two granulated threads, lower series covering the suture; aperture rounded; sinus on the peristome with contracted edges. Height 4 lines.

Syntype NHMUK 1844.6.7.22 (Fig. 36A–H) 5 mm high. Shell conical and broad. Teleoconch of 12 flat whorls bearing two large cords with tubercles at the interstices with opisthocline axial ribs. A third spiral cord is visible on the last whorl as a fine smooth thread just below the first cord. The base bears two additional weakly tuberculated cords. In between the main sculpture, fine numerous finely tuberculated spiral cords are visible. The peristome has a deep posterior sinus and fine additional spiral cords. Siphonal canal short. Protoconch multispiral, of four whorls; the first has spherical tubercles, while the others bear two spiral keels and axial riblets. Teleoconch pink to light violet, with lighter tubercles. Protoconch brown. Operculum horny, rather thin, ovate, multispiral of about 4½ whorls, nucleus a little eccentric, periphery thin and only a little upturned.

Figure 36. 

Triphoris ruber Hinds, 1843. A–H Lectotype NHMUK 1844.6.7.22, New Ireland (coll. E. Belcher): front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), peristome (F, G), operculum (H). I Paralectotype, NHMUK 1844.6.7.23, New Ireland (coll. E. Belcher): front (I). J–M, Q Paralectotype, NHMUK 1879.2.26.192, New Ireland and Straits of Malacca (J. Tomble Taylor coll.): front (J), protoconch (K–M), original labels (Q). N Figure in Hinds 1844. O–P Original labels lot NHMUK 1844.6.7.22–26. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F, G: 0.5 mm; H: 0.3 mm; K, L: 0.1 mm; M: 0.05 mm.

Straits of Malacca.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1844.6.7.17– 19, 3 specimens, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher); NHMUK 1855.11.15.20, 1 specimen, no locality (coll. E. Belcher); NHMUK 1879.2.26.201, 1 specimen, Straits of Malacca (J. Lombe-Taylor coll.).

Testa pallide rufente; anfractibus 15–18 biseriatim granoso-carinatis, medio laevigatis carina secundaria; prope suturam carinula monilifera; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 4½ lin.

Geog. Straits of Malacca; in 3 fathoms.

Shell pale reddish; 15–18 whorls with two granulated-keeled cords, with a smooth interspace with a secondary keel; a thin granulated keel near the suture; open posterior sinus. Height 4½ lines.

Subadult syntypes ca 9 mm high. Shell conical, with flat whorls bearing two quite thin main spiral cords with large oblong tubercles at the intersection with broad axial ribs. A third very fine spiral cord develops early in the teleoconch but never attains the strength of the other two whereas a fourth smooth cord is visible above the suture. A microsculpture of very fine threads is visible between the main cords. The apex is incomplete, but clearly bears a brown multispiral protoconch whose last two whorls have two strong spiral keels and axial riblets. The teleoconch has a whitish background with orange to brown flammulae.

All available syntypes are subadults without a fully developed last whorl and peristome. Specimens NHMUK 1844.6.7.17 (Fig. 37A, B) and NHMUK 1844.6.7.19 (Fig. 37H) are probably those that best fit the figure by Hinds (1844) in terms of sculpture, colour pattern and shell profile. In contrast, NHMUK 1844.6.7.18 (Fig. 37G) has a much more slender profile and resembles Triphoris bilix Hinds, 1844 (p. 185), NHMUK 1879.2.26.201 (Fig. 37J) is again more slender and has more numerous tubercles on the third spiral cord, superficially resembling T. concors Hinds, 1844 (p. 193), and NHMUK 1855.11.15.20 might be a sculptus, but it is too ruined for proper identification.

Figure 37. 

Triphoris sculptus Hinds, 1843. A–E Syntype NHMUK 1844.6.7.17, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher): front (A, B), protoconch (C, D), microsculpture (E). F Figure in Hinds 1844. G Syntype NHMUK 1844.6.7.18, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher): front. H Syntype NHMUK 1844.6.7.19, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher): front. I Syntype NHMUK 1855.11.15.20 (coll. E. Belcher). J Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.201, Straits of Malacca (J. Lombe-Taylor coll.). K Original labels NHMUK 1844.6.7.17–19. L Original labels lot NHMUK 1855.11.15.20. M Original labels lot NHMUK 1879.2.26.201. Scale bars: A, B: 1 mm; C, D: 0.2 mm; E: 0.5 mm.

Not reported.

Syntypes: NHMUK 196538: 1 specimen, and NHMUK 196539: 1 fragment (but likely conspecific), both without locality (J.E. Gray coll.).

Testa ovali elongata, ferruginea; anfractibus tridecim biseriatim granulosis; serie superiori paululum maxima et albida; anfractu penultimo serie tertia minima. Axis 3 lin.

Geog. — ? Cab. Gray.

Shell oval and elongated, reddish; 13 whorls with two granulated cords; the upper one slightly larger and white; on the penultimate whorl a small third cord appears. Height 3 lines.

Syntype NHMUK 196538 6.2 mm high. Shell conical, composed of 13 teleoconch flat whorls which bear two main tuberculated spiral cords. A third develops in between on the penultimate whorl as a fine thread but attains full size on the last whorl. The base has two additional weakly tuberculated whorls. The apex is broken in the lectotype, but remnants of the last protoconch whorl suggest a multispiral type. Such last whorl bears a single strong spiral keel and axial riblets. Shell brown, with pearly white tubercles on the first spiral cord.

Figure 38. 

Triphoris tristis Hinds, 1843, unknown locality, J.E. Gray coll. A–H Syntype NHMUK 196538: front (A, B), side (C), back (D), original labels (E), protoconch (F, G), aperture (H). Scale bars: A–D: 1 mm; F, G: 0.1 mm; H: 0.5 mm.

Straits of Malacca.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.210: 1 specimen, Straits of Malacca (J. Lombe Taylor coll.).

Testa pellucida; anfractibus quindecim laevigatis rotundatis, lineis duabus elevatis cinctis; apice mamillari; apertura subquadrata; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 4½ lin.

Geog. Straits of Malacca; dredged from 20 fathoms. One of the elevated lines traverses the whorl about its centre; the other, not at first very apparent, will be found on its lower surface near the suture.

Transparent shell; 15 rounded whorls, smooth, surrounded by two lines; apex mamillated; aperture subquadrate; open posterior sinus. Height 4½ lines.

Syntype 8.7 mm high. Conical shell with 12 slightly convex whorls with numerous prosocline growth lines and two deep spiral grooves. Very fine spiral threads are also visible. Base smooth. Peristome with no clear posterior sinus, siphonal canal short. Protoconch paucispiral with one large smooth whorl. Shell colour yellowish-white.

Figure 39. 

Triphoris vitreus Hinds, 1843, Straits of Malacca, J. Lombe Taylor coll. A–G, I–L Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.210: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (F, G), peristome (I, J), microsculpture (K), original lables (L). H Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F, G: 0.3 mm; I–K: 0.5 mm.

Straits of Malacca.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.196: 2 specimens, Straits of Malacca (coll. T. Lombe Taylor); NHMUK 1844.6.7.20, 1 specimen, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher); NHMUK 1844.6.7.21, 1 specimen, Straits of Malacca (coll. E. Belcher).

Testa laevigata, cornea; anfractibus 22–25 transversim leviter sulcatis, medio fusco elegantissime vittatis; apertura subquadrata; sinu laterali obsoleto. Axis 8 lin.

Geog. Straits of Malacca; in 23 fathoms.

Shell smooth, yellowish; 22–25 whorls crossed by faint threads, a graceful median dark band; subquadrate aperture; posterior sinus obsolete. Height 8 lines.

Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.196/1 17.3 mm high. Shell conical and slender, with more than 20 whorls bearing three smooth spiral cords and prosocline growth lines. A suprasutural smooth cord and very fine spiral threads are also visible. Periphery of the last whorl angulated, the base has one smoother spiral cord. Protoconch incomplete and very worn, but apparently multispiral with two spiral keels and axial riblets on the last two whorls. Teleoconch yellowish with an orange band between the second and third spiral cord.

Figure 40. 

Triphoris vittatus Hinds, 1843, Straits of Malacca, coll. T. Lombe Taylor. A–G Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.196/1: front (A), side (B), back (C), microsculpture (D), peristome (E), original labels (F), protoconch (G). H Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–C: 2 mm; D: 0.5 mm; G: 0.2 mm.

New Ireland [Papua New Guinea].

Syntypes: NHMUK 1879.2.26.199: 1 specimen, New Ireland (coll. T. Lombe Taylor).

Testa nigricante; anfractibus quatuordecim tricarinatis; carina inferiore albida; apertura rotundata; sinu laterali subnullo. Axis 3 lin.

Geog. New Ireland; found, with other small shells, among fine gravel about low-water mark.

Shell black; 14 whorls with three cords; the lowest cord white; rounded aperture; posterior sinus nearly absent. Height 3 lines.

Syntype 5.5 mm high. Shell strongly cyrtoconoid, broad. Teleoconch of 11 flat whorls with two main smooth spiral cords. A third develops in between early in the teleoconch. Several fine threads run between the main cords. There are faint prosocline axial ribs which form tubercles on the fourth spiral cord visible on the base which has a fifth smooth cord too. The peristome is incomplete in the lectotype, but likely bears additional spiral cords. Also, the apex is incomplete, but clearly bears a dark-brown multispiral protoconch whose last two whorls have two strong keels and axial riblets. Teleoconch brown with white to pearly flammulae particularly evident on the abapical spiral cord.

Hinds (1843a) introduced the genus Mastonia without designating the type species but listing as first species T. vulpinus. The type species designation was later done by Jousseaume (1884) who selected T. ruber Hinds, 1843. Such designation is valid (ICZN 1999, Article 69.1) because T. ruber is an originally included nominal species (ICZN 1999, Article 67.2).

Figure 41. 

Triphoris vulpinus Hinds, 1843, New Ireland, coll. T. Lombe Taylor. A–J Syntype NHMUK 1879.2.26.199: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (F, G), original labels (H), peristome (I), aperture (J). K Figure in Hinds 1844. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; F, G: 0.1 mm; I, J: 0.5 mm.

Porcupine Expedition 1870: off western Portugal, station 16 (994 fathoms, 39°55'N, 9°56'W); off south-western Portugal: station 24 (292 fathoms, 37°19'N, 9°13'W); Gulf of Cádiz: stations 27 (322 fathoms, 36°37'N, 7°33'W), 28 (304 fathoms, 36°29'N, 7°16'W), 28a (286 fathoms, 36°27'N, 6°54'W), 29 (227 fathoms, 36°20'N, 6°47'W) and 30 (386 fathoms, 36°15'N, 6°52'W); the Adventure Bank in the Sicily Channel.

Syntypes: NHMUK 1885.11.5.2673, 1 specimen, Porcupine Expedition; NHMUK 1885.11.5.2674, 1 fragment, Porcupine Expedition station 16 (fide modern label); NHMUK 1885.11.5.3934–5, 2 fragments, Adventure Bank; NHMUK 1885.11.5.3936, 1 specimen glued on cardboard, Porcupine Expedition, “Coast of Spain” (from original label); NHMUK 1885.11.5.3937–8, 2 specimens (but one is not T. aspera, see remarks), Porcupine Expedition, “Atlantic” (from original label); NHMUK 1985008, 32 fragments or juveniles, Porcupine Expedition, Adventure Bank 92 fathoms (fide modern label) (coll. E.R. Sykes). Additional syntypes USNM 87324, not seen.

Shell elongated, rather solid, nearly opaque and glossy: sculpture, rows or bands of small tubercles (18–20 on the last or bottom row), which arise from the mutual intercrossing of longitudinal and spiral striae; of these rows there are usually three on the last whorl above the periphery, and the same number on several of the succeeding whorls and afterwards two only; each of the apical whorls (3 or 4) is closely striated lengthwise and encircled by two spiral lines; the periphery is defined by a rather strong ridge, a little below which is another ridge, besides a shorter and smaller one at the base; the tubercles which compose the lower two rows are larger and more prominent than those of the uppermost or third row: colour pale yellowish, with a faint tinge of brown; apical whorls dark brown: spire tapering to a fine point; apex pinched-in and narrower than the rest of the spire: whorls 21–22, compressed, gradually enlarging; the last equals only from 1/5 to 1/6 of the shell: suture slight, indicated by the uppermost spiral row: mouth rhomboidal; and all other characters similar to those of T. perversa. L. 0”6, B. 0’15.

The two adult specimens among the syntypes are 13.7 and 15.1 mm. Shell conical with 18 teleoconch whorls bearing three spiral cords with spiny tubercles at the intersection with orthocline axial ribs. A fourth and a fifth smooth cord are present on the base, and the fourth is already visible on the spire as a suprasutural cord. Numerous fine spiral threads adorn the whorls between the main cords and fine growth lines are also visible. Siphonal canal short. Protoconch multispiral of 4.5 whorls; the last three bearing two strong spiral keels and axial riblets whereas the first are too worn for description. Teleoconch brown with lighter tubercles and whitish first three whorls; protoconch orange-brown.

Specimen NHMUK 1885.11.5.2673 (Fig. 42A–C) is likely the one used for the original figure because it is the only adult specimen with complete protoconch known and because of an annotation on the original label. Bouchet and Guillemot (1978) proposed the nomen novum Triphora brychia because of omonymy with Triforis asper Deshayes, 1864, which is a fossil species from the Paris Basin (Le Renard and Pacaud 1995; Le Renard 1995). Lot NHMUK 1885.11.5.3937–8 contains an adult specimen which is not T. aspera, as already noted by Warén (1980): it is broader, with more numerous axial ribs and with the first tubercled spiral cord clearly visible only from mid-teleoconch (Fig. 42I).

Figure 42. 

Triforis aspera Jeffreys, 1885. A–E, G, H, M, S Syntype NHMUK 1885.11.5.2673, Porcupine expedition, unknown locality: front (A), side (B), back (C), protoconch (D, E), aperture (G), peristome (H), microsculpture (M), original labels (S). F, Q: Syntype NHMUK 1885.11.5.3936, Porcupine Expedition, “Coast of Spain”. I, J, R Syntypes NHMUK 1885.11.5.3937–8, Porcupine Expedition, “Atlantic” (I is not T. aspera). K–L, P Syntypes NHMUK 1885.11.5.3934–5, Adventure Bank, Sicily Channel. N, O Syntype NHMUK 1885.11.5.2674, Porcupine expedition station 16. Scale bars: A–C, F: 2 mm; D, E: 0.2 mm; G–J: 1 mm; M: 0.5 mm.

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands.

Holotype: BPBM 9784. Paratypes: NHMUK 1982260, 1 specimen, Keahole Point, Hawaii, Hawaiian Islands. Other paratypes: AMS and USNM (fide Kay 1979; not seen).

The specimen in NHMUK may be a different species than the holotype figured by Kay (1979, fig. 48L, M). The holotype has large flat spiral cords (a character also included in the original description) and the interspaces are smaller than the cords. In contrast, the NHMUK specimen has thin spiral cords with ample interspaces. Unfortunately, Kay’s illustration of the teleoconch is blurred, and the NHMUK specimen is worn and lacks the apex, which would have offered additional diagnostic characters for observation.

Figure 43. 

Metaxia albicephala Kay, 1979, Poipu Beach, Kavai, Hawaii. A, I Original figure. B–H, J Paratype, NHMUK 1982260: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), aperture (G), peristome (H), protoconch (I). K Original label. Scale bars: B–F: 0.5 mm; G, H: 0.3 mm; J: 0.2 mm.

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands.

Holotype: BPBM 9782. Paratypes: NHMUK 1982262, 1 specimen, Keahole Point, Hawaii, Hawaiian Islands. Other paratypes: USNM (fide Kay 1979; not seen).

Figure 44. 

Metaxia brunnicephala Kay, 1979, Keahole Point, Hawaii. A Original figure. B–I Paratype, NHMUK 1982262: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), aperture (G), protoconch (H), peristome (I). J Original label. Scale bars: B–F: 0.5 mm; G, I: 0.2 mm; H: 0.1 mm.

Makaha, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands.

Holotype: BPBM 9788. Paratypes: NHMUK 1982275, 5 specimens, Kukuiula, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Other paratypes: AMS and USNM (fide Kay 1979; not seen).

Figure 45. 

Triphora chrysolitha Kay, 1979, Kukuiula, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. A Original figure. B–F, I Paratype, NHMUK 1982275/1: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), protoconch (I). G, H Paratype, NHMUK 1982275/2: front (G), aperture (H). J Original label. Scale bars: B–G: 0.5 mm; H: 0.3 mm; I: 0.2 mm.

Kepuhi Point, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands.

Holotype: BPBM 9794 (not seen, fide Kay 1979). Paratypes: NHMUK 1982255, 4 specimens, Makaha, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. Other paratypes: AMS and USNM (fide Kay 1979; not seen).

Figure 46. 

Triphora earlei Kay, 1979, Makaha, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. A Original figure. B–F, J, K Paratype, NHMUK 1982255/1: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), protoconch (J), peristome (K). G–I Paratypes, NHMUK 1982255/2–4: front paratype 2 (G), front paratype 3 (H), front paratype 4 (I). L Original label. Scale bars: B–F, H, I: 0.5 mm; G: 1 mm; J: 0.2 mm; K: 0.3 mm.

Milolii, Hawaii.

Holotype: BPBM 9798 (fide Kay 1979; not seen). Paratypes: NHMUK 1982250, 3 specimens, Kepuhi Point, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. Other paratypes: USNM (fide Kay 1979; not seen).

This is a junior synonym of Viriola alboguttata Tomlin (p. 280). These specimens given by Kay to the NHMUK and labelled as paratypes were not listed as such in Kay (1979).

Figure 47. 

Viriola fallax Kay, 1979, Kepuhi Point, Oahu, Hawaii. A Original figure. B–H Paratype, NHMUK 1982250/1: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), protoconch (G), aperture (H). I Paratype, NHMUK 1982250/2: front. J Paratype, NHMUK 1982250/3: front. K Original label. Scale bars: B–F: 1 mm; G: 0.2 mm; H–J: 0.5 mm.

Kepuhi Point, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands.

Holotype: BPBM 9786 (fide Kay 1979; not seen). Paratypes: NHMUK 1982263, 2 specimens, Kepuhi Point, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. Other paratypes: AMS and USNM (fide Kay 1979; not seen).

Figure 48. 

Iniforis hinuhinu Kay, 1979, Kepuhi Point, Oahu, Hawaii. A Original figure. B–E, G–I Paratype, NHMUK 1982263/1: front (B), side (C, D), back (E), aperture (G), peristome (H), protoconch (I). F Paratype, NHMUK 1982263/2: front. J Original label. Scale bars: B–F: 1 mm; G, H: 0.5 mm; I: 0.2 mm.

off Waikiki, Hawaiian Islands.

Holotype: BPBM 9800 (fide Kay 1979; not seen). Paratypes: NHMUK 1982273, 3 specimens, Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. Other paratypes in USNM (fide Kay 1979; not seen).

These specimens given by Kay to the NHMUK and labelled as paratypes were not listed as such in Kay (1979).

Figure 49. 

Triphora laddi Kay, 1979, Poipu Beach, Kavai, Hawaii. A Original figure. B–F, I Paratype, NHMUK 1982273/1: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), protoconch (I). G, H Paratypes, NHMUK 1982273/2–3: front views. J Original label. Scale bars: B–H: 0.5 mm; I: 0.1 mm.

Kahe Point, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands.

Holotype: BPBM 9796 (fide Kay 1979; not seen). Paratypes: NHMUK 1982252, 1 specimen, Kahe Point, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands; NHMUK 1982281, 1 specimen, Makaha, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. Additional paratypes in AMS and USNM (fide Kay 1979; not seen).

The NHMUK labels report two specimens per lot but we found a single specimen per lot only.

Figure 50. 

Triphora thaanumi Kay, 1979. A Original figure. B–F, H–J, K Paratype, NHMUK 1982252, Kahe Point, Oahu, Hawaii: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), aperture (H), peristome (I), protoconch (J), original label (K). G, L Paratype, Makaha, Oahu, Hawaii, NHMUK 1982281: front (G), original label (L). Scale bars: B–G: 1 mm; H, I: 0.5 mm; J: 0.2 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 13039 (fide Kosuge 1962a, not seen; illustrated in Higo et al. 2001: 51, G1705). Paratype: NHMUK 1966142: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell small, rather fusiform, inflated, rapidly attenuated to the early whorls, slightly narrowed at the base. Protoconch reddish brown, 2 spiral keels overridden by axial threads. Mature whorls 9 to 10 in number, suture well defined as a shallow groove. Sculpture 3 spiral costae, widely apart from each other and decussated with irregular axial grooves, divided into 26 ill-defined granules, upper row largest, median one faint, and turns to a thread at the antepenultimate whorl and diminished at the earlier whorls. Body whorl has 2 slightly granulated extra-costae, anterior canal slightly recurved, aperture subquadrate. White in colour at the earlier 3 whorls and remainder blackish reddish brown.

Shell length: 5.5 mm.

Remarks: This species is easily distinguished by its peculiar sculpture and colour patterns from the allied form.

Figure 51. 

Notosinister atratus Kosuge, 1962, Amami Islans, Japan. A Original figure. B–C, E–I Paratype, NHMUK 1966142: front (B, C), peristome (E), side (F, G), back (H), aperture (I). D NHMUK label. Scale bars: B, C, F–H: 1 mm; E, I: 0.5 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 12128 (fide Kosuge 1962b, not seen; illustrated in Higo et al. 2001: 50, G1676). Paratype: NHMUK 1966137: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell of medium size, conical, rather cylindrical in lower part of spire. Protoconch of 2 whorls, mammillate, suture distinct and grooved. Sculpture of 3 rows of granules, furrows between rows deep. Granules elongate and beset close together, connected by axial threads and spiral keels and appear like somewhat indented costae, 22–24 to a whorl. Upper row slightly larger and blackish brown, lower two light brown and sometimes whitish. 2 extra rows of granules on the body whorl.

Length: 8.5 mm.

Remarks: This species is allied to T. angasi Crosse, though the latter has a white band in lower granules of body whorl and also differs from T. marmoratus Pease in details of sculpture of body whorl.

Figure 52. 

Inella granicostata Kosuge, 1962, Amami Islands, Japan. A Original figure. B–F, H Paratype, NHMUK 1966137: front (B, C), side (D E), back (F), aperture (H). G NHMUK label. Scale bars: B–F: 2 mm; H: 0.5 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 13036 (fide Kosuge 1962a; not seen, illustrated in Higo et al. 2001: 50, G1670). Paratype: NHMUK 1966140: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell large to medium in size, conical, tapering to the summit, somewhat narrowed at the base. Protoconch of 5 whorls, acuminated conical, with 2 spiral keels overridden by numerous axial threads, brownish red in colour. Mature whorls 16, suture distinct and rather deep, each whorl somewhat inflated and sculptured with 3 equal rows of granules which are connected with fine spiral threads and broad axial columns, median row decreases to a fine thread at its upper 2 or 3 whorls. Granules large, apart by about half of its diameter, 22 to a whorl; on the body whorl, fourth row encircles on the periphery and coloured orange yellow, other 2 faintly granulated keels on the rounded base. Aperture subquadrate, anterior canal long and recurved backward. The colouration isdistinctive, upper row orange yellow, others pinkish or lilac brown.

Shell length: 9.7 mm.

Remarks: This species is closely related to T. loyaltyensis (Hervier) in its sculpture and colour pattern, though differs in having 2 spiral keels on its protoconch in contrast with 1 keel of the latter. This is distributed in Okinawa and Amami Islands, and was formerly treated as T. loyaltyensis by Japanese authors.

Figure 53. 

Notosinister hervieri, Kosuge, 1962, Amami Islands, Japan. A Original figure. B–I Paratype, NHMUK 1966140: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), aperture (G), protoconch (H), peristome (I). J NHMUK label. Scale bars: B–F: 1 mm; G, I: 0.5 mm; H: 0.1 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 12094 (fide Kosuge 1962b; not seen, illustrated in Higo et al. 2001: 50, G1685). Paratype: NHMUK 1966143: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell of medium size, broad conical and narrowed at the base. Colour very distinctive, protoconch light brown, early 3 whorls white and the next one brown, the remainder olive bistre. Protoconch of 4 whorls, conical with a spiral thread overriden by axial threads. Mature whorls 10, suture distinct but not deep, having a fine supra·sutural thread. Sculpture of 3 rows of granules, strongly connected spirally and axially, and latticed. Granules large and equal·sized, spirally elongate and apart from each other by one third of its diameter, 14 to a whorl. 2 extra rows of granules on the body whorl. Anterior canal tubular.

Length: 6.8 mm.

Remarks: This species is easily distinguished by its colour dattern, sculpture and shell feature. It is closely related to E. regalis Jousseaume and E. pannata Laseron, though differing in number of rows of granules, shell feature and colour pattern.

This species is named in memory of the late Dr. Isao Taki, who was kind enough to guide me in malacology.

Figure 54. 

Euthymella isaotakii Kosuge, 1962, Amami Islands, Japan. A Original figure. B–H Paratype, NHMUK 1966143: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), peristome (G), aperture (H). I NHMUK label. Scale bars: B–F: 1 mm; G, H: 0.5 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 13067 (fide Kosuge 1963a; not seen). Paratype: NHMUK 1966149: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell rather small, extremely inflated spindle-form, acuminated at the summit and narrowed at the body whorl. Protoconch of 4 whorls, tapering to the summit, bearing 2 spiral keels with crossed fine axial threads. Mature whorls 7, suture narrowly grooved and encircled by a fine supra-sutural thread. Sculpture of 3 rows of granules, each row almost equal-sized even in the early whorls, but median one slightly smaller than the other two; granules large, round, connected by broad axial columns and spiral costae which are finely latticed, forming fine square hollows, apart from each other by about half of its diameter and 18 to a whorl. Body whorl has 2 more rows of granules, viz. fourth row encircles the periphery and smaller than upper 3 rows, filth slender row on the base. Anterior canal somewhat elongated and recurved backward, posterior canal forming a deep sinus, shell aperture somewhat extended forward. Colouration slate purple, antepenultimate whorl pale or whitish, anterior canal orange yellow.

Shell length: 4.8 mm.

Remarks: This species is distinguished by its inflated spindle-form, sculpture and colouration, and closely related to N. lucidulus (Hervier), though differs in its shell shape and protoconch which is marked by double spiral keels in contrast to a single keel of the latter species, and also differs from N. amoena (Hervier) in its coloration and shell size. This species is dedicated to Prof. Iwao Taki of the Hiroshima University, who is kind enough to read my manuscript with valuable advices.

Figure 55. 

Notosinister iwaotakii Kosuge, 1963, Amami Islands, Japan. A Original figure. B–F, H Paratype, NHMUK 1966149: front (B, C), back (D), side (E, F), microsculpture (H). G NHMUK label. Scale bars: B–F: 1 mm; H: 0.3 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 13035 (fide Kosuge 1962a; not seen, illustrated in Higo et al. 2001: 50, G1661s). Paratype: NHMUK 1966138: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell small, conical, tapering to the summit, lower part of spire somewhat cylindrical. Protoconch pale brown, with a single spiral keel and crossed axial threads, mature whorls 10 or more, suture well defined with a supra-sutural thread. Sculpture 3 rows of granules, median row rapidly turns to a spiral thread at its earlier whorls. Colour pattern distinctive, upper row of granules and suprasutural thread reddish brown, remainder white, other 2 spiral colour bands on the body whorl. Granules small, somewhat squarish, apart by half of its diameter and 22 to a whorl. Each granule connected with slightly oblique, fine axial columns and faint spiral threads. Fourth row of granules encircles on the periphery of the body whorl and coloured reddish brown, fifth on the base, slightly granulated and also stained reddish brown, and sixth on the anterior canal, smooth. Anterior canal straight.

Shell length: 6.0 mm.

Remarks: This species is closely related to N. sardonyx (Laseron) and Cautor albozonatus (Laseron), though differs from the former in having a distinct sutural groove and a supra-sutural thread, and from the latter in its protoconch and sculpture of body whorl, and also distinguished from T. regina Hedley in its colour pattern.

Figure 56. 

Notosinister kawamurai Kosuge, 1962, Amami Islands, Japan. A Original figure. B–G Paratype, NHMUK 1966138: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), aperture (G). H NHMUK label. Scale bars: B–F: 1 mm; G: 0.5 mm.

Shirahama, Shimoda-machi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Central Japan.

Holotype: reported in the Dr. T. Kuroda collection (Kosuge 1962a) which is now in the Nishinomiya Shell Museum, Japan (not seen). Paratype: NHMUK 1966151: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell medium in size, conical, apex blunt, not narrowed at the base, somewhat conoidal rod in shape. Protoconch immersed at the summit, slightly appearing as a tip of the smooth nucleus. Mature whorls 13, with straight side, suture deep and widely channelled. Sculpture 3 rows of granules, each row equal in size at the lower two-third of the spire, median row diminished at the early whorls. Granules connected with both spiral keels and rather broad axial columns which are latticed with spiral keels, apart by about half of its diameter and 22 to a whorl. On the body whorl, there are 3 smooth spiral keels on the periphery and base, anterior canal long and slightly recurved, aperture almost rounded. Colouration reddish brown and light brown in drifted materials.

Shell length: 7.4 mm.

Remarks: This species is easily recognized by its immersed protoconch, differing from Is. tasmanica (Ten-Wood) in its protoconch, of which the nucleus is slightly raised up, in contrast to the latter in which protoconch is completely immersed. This feature is taken natural as a generic character, therefore it may be necessary to give this species an appropriate subgeneric name.

This species is dedicated to Dr. Tokubei Kuroda of the Kyoto University, President of the Malacological Society of Japan, who is kind enough to help in both literature and material.

Figure 57. 

Isotriphora kurodai Kosuge, 1962, Amami Islands, Japan. A Original figure. B–I Paratype, NHMUK 1966151: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), protoconch (G), microsculpture (H), aperture (I). J NHMUK label. Scale bars: B–F: 1 mm; G: 0.2 mm; H: 0.3 mm; I: 0.5 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 13064 (fide Kosuge 1963b; not seen, illustrated in Higo et al. 2001: 51, G1686). Paratype: NHMUK 1966139: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell medium in size, apex blunt, conical, somewhat inflated at the middle of the spire and slightly narrowed at the body whorl. Protoconch of a single whorl, mammillate and smooth. Mature whorl 9, each whorl convex and widely separated by a rather deep grooved suture, encircled by a fine supra-sutural thread. Sculpture consists of 3 rows of granules, median row somewhat larger than the others at the lower spire, equal in size at the early 2 or 3 whorls and rapidly diminished at its first whorl; each granule spirally elongate and well elevated from the crossing points of broad axial columns and spiral costae which are deeply latticed, aparts from each other by about its diameter and 14 to a whorl. On the body whorl, fourth row of granules encircles the periphery, the other 2 slender, smooth, spiral ridges the base and the anterior canal which is short and recurved backward. Protoconch and early 2 whorls white, remainder dark reddish brown.

Shell length: 6.8 mm.

Remarks: This species is easily distinguished by its protoconch, white apex and spirally elongated granules. It is somewhat related to E. regalis Jousseaume and E. isaotakii Kosuge, though differs in its protoconch, shell shape and colour-pattern, and also differs from Notosinister atratus Kosuge in its sculpture and protoconch.

Figure 58. 

Triphora leucocephala Kosuge, 1963, Amami Islands, Japan. A–E, G–I Paratype, NHMUK 1966139: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (G, H), aperture (I). F Original figure. J NHMUK label. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; G, H: 0.2 mm; I: 0.5 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 13042 (fide Kosuge 1962a; not seen, illustrated in Higo et al. 2001: 51, G1745). Paratype: NHMUK 1966150: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell rather small, conical, lower spire somewhat cylindrical, not narrowed at the base. Protoconch of 3 whorls, apex blunt, second and third whorls have a single spiral keel overridden by axial threads, pure white in colour. Mature whorls 9, suture distinct as a deep groove with a fine supra-sutural thread. Sculpture 3 rows of granules, upper row largest, median one diminished and gradually disappears on the early whorls, each granule almost rounded, connected by axial columns and fine spiral keels, beset close together and 23 to a whorl. On the body whorl, there are other 2 rows of granules and 1 smooth keel on the base, anterior canal broad and slightly recurved, aperture rounded. Irregularly variegated with opaque white, buff and chocolate, usually maculated white and chocolate, base chocolate.

Shell length: 6 mm.

Remarks: This subspecies is closely related to C. maculosus (Hedley) in sculpture, colour and the nature of protoconch, though it is much more slender than that species and its whorls are much more squarishly angulated at the base.

Figure 59. 

Notosinister maculosus macmichaeli Kosuge, 1962, Amami Islands, Japan. A–E, G–J Paratype, NHMUK 1966144: front (A, B), side (C, D), back (E), protoconch (G, H), aperture (I), peristome (J). F Original figure. K NHMUK label. Scale bars: A–E: 1 mm; G, H: 0.2 mm; I–J: 0.5 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 13038 (fide Kosuge 1962a; not seen, illustrated in Higo et al. 2001: 51, G1707). Paratype: NHMUK 1966144: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell medium in size, conical, acuminate at the summit, narrowed at the base. Protoconch turrited conical, 5 whorls with 2 spiral keels overridden by axial threads, dark brown in colour. Mature whorls 13, suture shallow and not distinct. Sculpture 3 rows of granules at the lower part of the spire, median one smaller than the others, and gradually turns to a thread as it ascends the spire and finally disappears at the early whorls. Granules rather large, apart by half of its diameter and 18 or 20 to a whorl, connected both spirally and axially with each other. On the body whorl, fourth row of cranules on the periphery and another spiral keel on the base, anterior canal short and strongly recurved backward. Colouration is white or pale brown with numerous irrerular dark brown spots.

Shell length: 6.8 mm.

Remarks: This species is closely related to T. dolicha (Watson) and T. turricula (Hervier), though differs in having a protoconch with 2 spiral keels in contrast to 1 keel of the latter two species, and also differs in shell shape.

Figure 60. 

Notosinister millepunctatus Kosuge, 1962, Amami Islands, Japan. A Original figure. B–G, I–K Paratype, NHMUK 1966144: front (B, C), side (D, E), back (F), protoconch (G), microsculpture (I), aperture (J), peristome (K). H NHMUK label. Scale bars: B–F: 1 mm; G–I: 0.2 mm; J, K: 0.5 mm.

Ankyaba, Setouchi-machi, Amami Islands.

Holotype: TZM Mo. 13065 (fide Kosuge 1963a; not seen, illustrated in Higo et al. 2001: 51, G1719). Paratype: NHMUK 1966146: 1 specimen, Amami Islands, Japan.

Shell rather small, somewhat spindle·form, tapering to the summit and narrowed at the base. Protoconch conical, acuminate, of 5 whorls, keeled by a single carina with crossed fine axial threads. Mature whorls 10, suture distinct and grooved in somewhat deep channel. Sculpture consists of 3 rows of granules; middle row slender, about half as large as the other two rows, turns to a thread and disappears at the early 3 or 4 whorls; upper and lower rows large and equal in size. Granules almost round, connected by broad axial columns and spiral keels which are regularly latticed, interspaces between them squarely excavated, apart from each other by about half of its diameter and 21 to a whorl. Body whorl has 5 rows of granules, upper-most row largest, next 2 rows nearly equal in size and about half as large as the upper one, fourth row on the periphery and fifth one on the base more slender than the others. Anterior canal rather short and slightly recurved backward. Colouration olive ochre, tinted among the granules underside of lower spiral keel of each whorl with deep reddish brown and protoconch chocolate.

Shell length: 5.2 mm.

Remarks: This species is distinct by its spindle form and colouration, and somewhat related to Triphora clemens (Hinds), though differs in its sculpture.