The systematic position of the genus Fossarina, A. Adams and Angas, and of Fossarina varia, Hutton
Abstract
Some time ago I found that Fossarina patula, Adams and Angas, had a rhipidoglossate dentition and a multispiral operculum. I mentioned the discovery to: Mr. Hedley, and he at once drew my attention to the genus Minos, Hutton, and gave me dried specimens of the type (M. petterdi, Crosse), and of Fossarina varia, Hutton. The examination of these has been productive of rather curious results. The genus Fossarina was described by A. Adams and Angas in 1863, their type being F. patula, from Sydney Harbour. A short description of the shell is followed by the statement, "Operculum corneum, subspirale," and "this genus constitutes a peculiar littoral form allied to.Fossar, from which it differs in the curvature of the inner lip and circular aperture". It is also compared with.Conrdia, A. Ad., and.lsapis, A. Ad., and here I might draw the attention of those more fortunately placed than myself, to the fact that none of the six species of the former of these two genera have been figured. When dealing with the Japanese species (.Fossarina picta, A. Ad.), Dunker questioned the correctness of the systematic assignment of the species.
