Source: http://worldwideconchology.com/fam/Turridae.shtml
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 14:27:43+00:00

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The carnivorous Turridae are toxoglossate gastropod mollusks, meaning that they possess a poisonous radular system similar to that of the Conidae and Terebridae, the two other families within the superfamily Conoidea. The Turridae are the largest group of venomous mollusks and are remarkable for their diverse shells. The tremendous range of shape, size and sculptural characteristics are not seen in many other gastropod families. A unifying characteristic present in all Turridae shells is a slit or notch at the posterior end of the aperture. This too exhibits great variability in both depth and shape. Shell coloration ranges from drab grayish, or brown, to brilliant orange, red or lavender hues. The smallest turrid species have shells that rarely grow beyond 2mm in length, while a handful of turrids such as the deep water dwelling Aforia magnifica attains a size greater than 5 inches (± 125mm).
The Turridae are also found living in diverse geographical regions, from the icy polar caps to temperate waters, and thoughout the tropics. Turrids inhabit intertidal niches and are brought up from many thousands of fathoms deep in the oceans.
CLASSIFICATION: Taxonomic classification of the Turridae is at best confusing, and has been in a seemingly constant state of revision. The division of subfamilies are inconsistent amongst the relavant literature published during the past 30 years. More than 200 genera have been created in an attempt to organize the turrids. Estimates of the number of Turridae species are as high as several thousand species. The most universally adopted classification for the Turridae is that of Vaught (1989, Classification of the Living Mollusca) -- 15 subfamilies are treated in this work; a division based on shell characteristics.
In 1993, J.D. Taylor et al. published a paper radically changing the divisions within the superfamily Conoidea. Subfamily classifications are shuffled and reorganized in this new system. Briefly, the family Turridae as it is traditionally structured has been divided into five turriform families; Drilliidae, Pseudomelotomidae, Strictispiridae, Turridae, and the Turridae subfamilies Clathurellinae H.and A.Adams, 1858 (absorbing Borsoniinae and Mitrolumninae McLean, 1971); Mangeliinae Fischer, 1884; and Daphnellinae Deshayes, 1863 are transferred to the family Conidae. A vote is still out on whether this new classification will be universally adopted. Further study is needed to clear up the questionable associations between the turriform groups transferred to the Conidae. Though subsequent scientific literature utilizes the new anatomically-based classification, not all authors have formally adopted it. To help avoid confusion when referencing currently available literature, the traditional turriform classification is being used here along with notation of the newer classification [in brackets].
Clathodrillia . Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.. Clathodrillia gibbosa (Born, 1778) - Colombia, 41-58mm - one of the more unusual and beautiful Western Atlantic Turrid species. Trawled up by fishing boat. This specimen is considered exceptionally large. Ref.: Petuch, E.J., 1987, New Caribbean Molluscan Faunas, pl.20, f.9.
Calliclava McLean, 1971 Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.182. Calliclava rhodina McLean & Poorman, 1971 - Oaxaca, West Mexico, 18mm - The pink coloration on the body whorl and preceding whorls of this high spire is unique to this species. The species' Latin name meaning "prepared from roses" was inspired by the rich pink coloration. Ref.: McLean, J.H. & Poorman, R., 1971, New Species of Tropical Eastern Pacific Turridae, Veliger 14:1, p.91.
Clavus Montfort, 1810: 435. Type species (o.d.): Clavus flammulatus Montfort, 1810. Clavicantha Swainson, 1840; Tylotia Melvill, 1917, Eldridgea Bartsch, 1934. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.182. Clavus laetus (Hinds, 1843) - Kwajalein Atoll, 19mm - The species grows to as large as 20+mm. This uncommon species ranges throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. The white colored base at tips of the nodes is characteristic for the species. Ref.: Cernohorsky, W.O., 1987, Tropical Pacific Marine Shells, p.153, Pl.55 f.1.
Drillia Gray, 1838: 28.Type species (s.d. Gray, 1847): Drillia umbilicata Gray, 1838; Kilburn, 1988: 173; Tippett, 1995: 127, Douglassia Bartsch, 1934 (non Chambers, 1881); Subgenus: CLATHRODRILLIA Dall, 1918, Clathrodrillia Dall, 1918: 323. Type species (o.d.): Pleurotoma gibbosa Born, 1778, Drillia (Clathrodrillia); Kilburn, 1988: 179; Tippett, 1995: 129; Subgenus: DRILLIA s.s., Drillia (Drillia); Kilburn, 1988: 173; Tippett, 1995: 129. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.183. Drillia caffra (E.A. Smith, 1882) - South Africa, 16mm - Endemic to southern Africa from Jeffreys Bay to western Transkei. Beach specimens are commonly washed ashore, but live taken shells are quite rare. Ranges in color from white with speckled markings to orange. Ref.: Kilburn & Rippey, 1982, Sea Shells of Southern Africa, p. 117, Pl. 28, fig.10.
Fenimorea Bartsch,,1934. Type species (o.d.): Fenimorea janetae Bartsch, 1934; Tippett, 1995: 132 . Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.182. Fenimorea fucata (Reeve, 1845) - Bahamas, 15mm - Ranges from N.Carolina to the West Indies. The illustrated shell is immature, but typical of beach-drift specimens found in the Bahamas. Ref.: Malacolog).
Splendrillia Hedley, 1922: 250. Type species (o.d.): Drillia woodsi Beddome, 1883; Kilburn, 1988: 206; Subgenus: HAURTURUA Powell, 1942. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.182. Splendrillia pulchella (Reeve, 1845) - Kwajalein Atoll, 20mm - A rather rare species taken at scuba diving depths. This specimen was taken in 60 feet of water off Carlson Id. Ref.: Identification by D. Tippett.
Subgenus: ABYSSAFORIA Sysoev & Kantor, 1987; Abyssafordia Sysoev & Kantor, 1987: 117. Type species (o.d.): Aforia (Abyssaforia) abyssalis Sysoev & Kantor, 1987; Subgenus: DALLAFORIA Sysoev & Kantor, 1987; Dallafordia Sysoev & Kantor, 1987: 115-116. Type species (o.d.): Irenosyrinx ? crebristriata Dall, 1908; Subgenus: PALAEOAFORIA Sysoev & Kantor, 1987; Subgenus: STEIRAXIS Dall, 1896. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.187. Aforia cf. goodei (Dall, 1890) - Alaska, 58mm - possibly a more northerly range extension for the species, which typically is found further south between British Columbia south to Chile in 1200 to 2000 meters of water. Ref.: Abbott, R.T., 1974, American Seashells, p.265, sp.2930. Aforia magnifica (Strebel, H., 1908) - Orkney Ids., Antarctic, 114mm - An ultra-rare Turrid species. The illustrated shell has the spire nuclear whorls missing. This species is represented in very few private collections. Ref.: .
Cochlespira Conrad, 1865; Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 168 [Cochlespirinae]; Candelabrum Dall, 1878 (non Blainville, 1830); Rouaultia Bellardi, 1878; Coronasyrinx Powell, 1944; Pagodasyrinx Shuto, 1969 (fossil): 190-191. Type species (o.d.): Pleurotoma (Ancistrosyrinx) travancorica granulata Smith, 1904. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.186. Cochlespira elegans (Dall, 1881) - Colombia, 45.3mm - a rare species; the larger of the two Western Atlantic Cochlespira species. Trawled in deep water by commercial fishing boat. Ref.: Abbott, R.T., 1974, American Seashells, p.265, f.2925. Cochlespira pulchella fossata A.W.B. Powell, 1969 - Philippines, 32mm - Differentiated from the very similar C. p. semipolita by its smaller size, second row of spine projections along the spire shoulder, and the concave shoulder slope, which has nodulose spiral lirae. Ref.: Springsteen & Leobrera, Shells of the Philippines, p.274.
Leucosyrinx subgrundifera (Dall, 1888) - North Carolina, 22-24mm - Ranges from N.Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico in water as deep as 1000 fathoms. Ref.: Abbott, R.T., 1974, American Seashells, p.263, f.2900. Leucosyrinx verrillii (Dall, 1881) - North Carolina, 28mm - Ranges from N.Carolina into the West Indies in water as deep as 1000 fathoms. Type species of genus. Ref.: Abbott, R.T., 1974, American Seashells, p.263, f.2898.
Polystira hilli Petuch, 1988 - Barbados (type locality), 41mm - Most closely related to P. lindae from Venezuela. Ref.: Petuch, E.J., 1988, Neogene History of Tropical American Mollusks, p.163, Pl.38, f.7-8, orig.desc. Knefastia hilli Petuch, 1990 - Barbados (type locality), 41mm - Most closely related to P. lindae from Venezuela. Ref.: Petuch, E.J., 1988, Neogene History of Tropical American Mollusks, p.163, Pl.38, f.7-8, orig.desc. Polystira tellea (Dall, 1889) - Florida, 63mm - Similar to P. albida. Ranges from Florida to Louisiana. Ref.: Abbott, R.T., 1974, American Seashells, p.266, f.2939.
Crassispira Swainson, 1840; Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 168 [Crassispirinae]; Subgenus: CRASSISPIRA s.s., Crassispira (Crassispira); Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 168 [Crassispirinae]; Subgenus: BIRMADRILLIA Shuto, 1984 (fossil ?); Subgenus: BURCHIA Bartsch, 1944; Subgenus: CRASSISPIRELLA Bartsch & Rehder, 1939; Subgenus: DALLSPIRA Bartsch, 1950; Subgenus: GIBBASPIRA McLean, 1971; Gibbaspira McLean, 1971: 122. Type species (o.d.): Pleurotoma rudis Sowerby, 1834; Subgenus: GLOSSISPIRA McLean, 1971; Glossispira McLean, 1971: 121. Type species (o.d.): Pleurotoma hasfordiana Reeve, 1843; Subgenus: MONILISPIRA Bartsch & Rehder, 1939; Subgenus: STRIOSPIRA Bartsch, 1950; Adanaclava Bartsch, 1950; Subgenus: TRIPIA de Gregorio, 1890, Crassispira (Tripia); Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 168 [Crassispirinae]. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.184. Crassispira (Striospira) nigerrima (Sowerby, 1834) - Pacific Panama, 19mm - This intertidal to subtidal species is differentiated from other regional members of the subgenus by the large calloused projection at the posterior end of the aperture. Ref.: Keen, A.M., 1971, Sea Shells of Tropical West America, p.722, f.1700.
Hindsiclava Hertlein & Strong, 1955, Turrigemma Berry, 1958. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.184. Hindsiclava hertleini Emerson & Radwin, 1969 - Galapagos Ids., 17mm - The square white nodules are the main characteristic of this species. Reaches double size of the illustrated shell. Ref.: Keen, A.M., 1971, Sea Shells of Tropical West America, p.725, f.1709 / Emerson, W.K. & Radwin, G.E., 1969, Two New Species of Galapagan Turrid Gastropods, Veliger, 12:2, pp.149-156, 2 pl. (orig. desc.) Hindsiclava tippetti Petuch, 1987 - Colombia, 53mm - This is the largest Western Atlantic member of the genus. The type locality is Rosalind Bank off Honduras. Ref.: Petuch, E.J., 1987, New Caribbean Molluscan Faunas, p.76.
Inquisitor Hedley, 1918: M79. Type species (o.d.): Pleurotoma sterrha Watson, 1881; Kilburn, 1988: 257? Pseudoinquisitor Powell, 1942. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.185. Inquisitor intertincta (E.A. Smith, 1877) - Philippines, 32-37mm - A moderately common Turris found throughout the central and western Pacific. The amount of coloring or tinting varies between the varicies. Do not confuse with I. varicosa, which is less slender and has more varices per whorl. Ref.: Springsteen & Leobrera, 1986, Shells of the Philippines, p.272, Pl.77, No. 18. Inquisitor varicosa (Reeve, 1843) - Philippines, 33mm - Crowded varices, irregularly marked with brown-black blotches and a brown band rings the base. Ref.: Springsteen & Leobrera, 1986, Shells of the Philippines, p.272, Pl.77, No. 8.
Ptychobela Thiele, 1925: 181 (215). Type species (o.d.): Clavatula crenularis Lamarck, 1816. [=Murex nodulosus Gmelin, 1791]; Kilburn, 1989: 186. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.185. Ptychobela griffithii (Gray, 1834) - Oman, 43mm - A distinct species that ranges in color from white to this illustrated dark form with yellow shoulder nodules and spiral cords. It is found intertidally and subtidally. It appear to be endemic to the eastern Arabian Peninsula. Ref.: Bosch, Dance, Moolenbeek Oliver, 1995, Seashells of Eastern Arabia, p. 169.
Zonulispira Bartsch, 1950. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.185. Zonulispira crocata (Reeve, 1845) - Florida, 24mm - A synonym is Crassispira (Crassispirella) sanibelensis Bartsch & Rehder, 1939. Ref.: Sunderland, 1991, American Conchologist, p.14 / Malacolog).
Clavatula Lamarck, 1801: 84. Type species (monotypy): Clavatula coronata Lamarck, 1801; Kilburn, 1985: 424; Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 168 [Clavatulinae]. Subgenus: TRACHELOCHETUS Cossmann, 1889, Clavatula (Trachelochetus); Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 168 [Clavatulinae]. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.183. Clavatula lelieuri (Récluz, 1851) - Ghana, 30mm - This West African species has made its way into collections as a by-product of fishing trawlers. The coarse axial ribs and spiral cords creates a seemingly granular sculpture. The white band on the shoulder is characteristic of the species. Ref.: Bernard, P.A., 1984, Shells of Gabon, p.98, f.183.
Bathytoma Harris & Burrows, 1891. Type species (o.d.): Murex cataphractus Brocchi, 1814; Kilburn, 1986: 636; Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 169 [Clathurellinae] Dolichotoma Bellardi, 1875 (non Hope, 1839); Subgenus: MICANTAPEX Iredale, 1936, Micantapex Iredale, 1936 (as a Subgenus). Type species (o.d.): Bathytoma agnata Hedley & Petterd, 1906; Kilburn, 1986: 639; Subgenus: PARABATHYTOMA Shuto, 1961, Parabathytoma Shuto, 1961 (as a subgenus). Type species (o.d.): Pleurotoma striatotuberculata Yokoyama, 1928; Kilburn, 1986: 642; Subgenus: RIUGUHDRILLIA Oyama, 1951; Subgenus: BATHYTOMA s.s. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.187. Bathytoma (Micantapex) agnata (Hedley & Petterd, 1906) - Australia, 30mm - type species of the subgenus Micantapex Iredale, 1936. The illustrated specimen was dredged off Cape Morten, Queensland, in 60 fathoms of water.
Borsonella Dall, 1908; Subgenus: BORSONELLOPSIS McLean, 1971, Borsonellopsis McLean, 1971: 126-127. Type species (o.d.): Leucosyrinx erosina Dall, 1908. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.188. Borsonella galapagana McLean & Poorman, 1971 - Galapagos Ids., 15mm - A deepwater species originally taken from off Santa Cruz Island in 93-110 fathoms of water. This species is differentiated from similar Eastern Pacific Borsonella by the two columellar folds in the aperture. Ref.: McLean, J.H. & Poorman, R., 1971, New Species of Tropical Eastern Pacific Turridae, Veliger 14:1, p.105.
Eucithara Fischer, 1883. Type species (monotypy): Mangelia stromboides Reeve, 1846; Kilburn, 1992: 464, Cythara (authors). Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.191. Eucithara funiculata (Reeve, 1846) - Solomon Ids., 20mm - A somewhat variable species. The this specimen seems to be typical. Collected at scuba diving depths. Ranges from Fiji westward. Ref.: Cernohorsky, W.O., 1972, Marine Shells of the Pacific, Vol.II, p.187, Pl.54 f.2.
Lienardia Jousseaume, 1884; Subgenus: ACRISTA Hedley, 1922; Subgenus: HEMILIENARDIA Boettger, 1895; Subgenus: THETIDOS Hedley, 1899. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.191. Lienardia compta (Reeve, 1845) - Kwajalein Atoll, 11-13mm - emmae Melvill & Standen, 1895 is a synonym. Uncommonly found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. Ref.: Cernohorsky, W.O., 1978, Tropical Pacific Marine Shells, p.156, Pl.56 f.1. Lienardia roseotincta (Montrouzier, 1872) - Philippines, 190mm - This species is typically rose-colored, but occasionally other color forms are found. The species is uncommonly found throughout the tropical Western Pacific, usually by scuba divers. Ref.: Cernohorsky, W.O., Tropical Pacific Marine Shells, p.156, pl.56, f.4.
Daphnella Hinds, 1844 [Gastropoda, Prosobranchia, Neogastropoda, Conoidea, Turridae, Daphnellinae]; Vaught, 1989: 60, Eudaphnella Bartsch, 1933, pro Eudaphne Bartsch, 1931 (non Reuss, 1922), Paradaphne Laseron, 1954; Subgenus: DIAUGASMA Melvill, 1917; Subgenus: HEMIDAPHNE Hedley, 1918. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.192. Daphnella (Hemidaphne) cyclophora (Deshayes, 1863) - Kwajalein Atoll, 12mm - Differentiated from other similar species by the thin, elevated spiral threads and a double row of granulose sculpture along the suture. The species is moderately rare. Ref.: Cernohorsky, W.O., 1987, Tropical Pacific Marine Shells, p.160, Pl.57 f.4.
Philbertia Monterosato, 1884. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.193. Philbertia (Pseudodaphnella) philippinensis (Reeve, 1843) - Kwajalein Atoll, 15mm - This moderately rare species is found westward from the Fiji Islands. Species in the subgenus Pseudodaphnella are highly sculptured. Ref.: Cernohorsky, W.O., 1972, Marine Shells of the Pacific, Vol.II, p.191, Pl.55 f.2.
Pleurotomella Verrill, 1872; Vaught, 1989: 60 [Daphnellinae]; Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 170 [Daphnellinae]; Le Renard, 1996: 86, Azorilla F. Nordsieck, 1968: 184. Type species (o.d.): Pleurotoma megalembryon Dautzenberg & Fischer, 1896, Azorita F. Nordsieck, 1968: 184-5. Type species (o.d.): Pleurotoma bureaui Dautzenberg & Fischer, 1897; Subgenus: SYSTENOPE Cossmann, 1889, Pleurotomella (Systenope); Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 170 [Daphnellinae]; Subgenus: ANOMALOTOMELLA Powell, 1966, Pleurotomella (Anomalotomella); Pacaud & Le Renard, 1995: 170 [Daphnellinae]. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.193. Pleurotomella jeffreysi Verrill, 1885 - North Carolina, 22mm - . Ref.: Abbott, R.T., 1974, American Seashells, p.288, f.3429.
Tritonoturris Dall, 1924. Ref.: Millard, V. 1997. Classification of the Mollusca :A classification of worldwide Mollusca. p.194. Tritonoturris cumingii (Powys, 1835) - Kwajalein Atoll, 14mm - Found moderately common in intertidal to subtidal depths. Ref.: Cernohorsky, W.O., 1978, Tropical Pacific Marine Shells, p.160, Pl.57 f.5.

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