Revision of the genus Calliotrochus Fischer, 1879 (Gastropoda : Trochoidea)

Abstract

Examination of a large amount of material from the Indo–West Pacific supports the view that all taxa currently referred to Calliotrochus belong to a single widespread and variable species, the oldest available name for which isMargarita marmorea Pease, 1861. The species ranges from south-eastern Africa to the Hawai’ian Islands and inhabits a range of habitats from shallow, intertidal, lagoonal systems to offshore coral reefs at depths of up to 25 m. Calliotrochus differs from Gibbula in radula morphology and external anatomy, and is considered generically distinct. It is referable to the Trochinae, but relationships at tribal level are not clear. On the evidence available it is referred to the Cantharidini. Attention is also drawn to similarities between Calliotrochus and members of the Stomatellinae in respect of radula and protoconch morphology.

New synonyms: Calliotrochus symbolicusIredale, 1937; Calliotrochus symbolicus alterIredale, 1937; Calliotrochus excellens Iredale, 1937; Gibbula (Calliotrochus) cummingae Kilburn, 1977; and probably also Margarita ponsonbyi Preston, 1908 = Calliotrochus marmoreus (Pease, 1861).