Help with identifying argus argus from argus contrastriata

[shellhunk]

Please help me to identify a cypraea argus from a cypraea argus contrastriata. Is it just the location? Or is there a difference is the spots? Thanks anyone.

Chris

[paul monfils]

It can't be just the location. There has to be an observable difference in the actual specimens to warrant a different name. While I am not terribly confident about "contrastriata" as a valid taxon, this form generally has larger and more widely spaced spots than typical argus, and it usually has two large dark blotches on the columellar side of the aperture only. Typical argus has smaller and more crowded dorsal spotting, and  usually has the large dark blotches on both sides of the aperture, though they are often smaller on the labial (lip) side.

[shellhunk]

I see. Now I have something to work with. Thank you much Paul.  <img src="images/smiley/biggrin.gif" alt="" border="0" />

[david touitou]

Hi,

I had roughly the same problem when I wanted to identify the <i>argus </i>cowries I found in the Seychelles. Beyond the place where it has been found, as wrote Paul, the basal blotches shall make the difference. But sometimes as you probably know shells may vary and could loose you. With both 2 or 4 blotches and the locality you may be able to confirm <i>contrastriata</i> or not.

Regards,
DAVID  <span class="petit">--Last edited by David Touitou on 2007-04-26 12:57:30 --</span>

[shellhunk]

Thanks much David. <img src="images/smiley/smile.gif" alt="" border="0" />