Mappa question

[dave r]

Hi there. The Map Cowry comes in many subspecies, exactly how many depends on whose book you read! The price will differ depending on which subspecies it is, for instance a common Philippine map cowry <i>Mauritia mappa mappa</i> is only worth a few dollars/pounds/euros whereas a <i>M. mappa aliwalensis</i> from the Aliwal shoals of South Africa will cost big bucks because it is a lot rarer and harder to obtain.The same goes for some of the Pacific subspecies. If you log on to Felix Lorenz's website there is an article explaining the subspecies of <i>mappa</i>.
Hope this is of some help.
Dave