Felix Lorenz Boeken

This book is a comprehensive treatment of the family Cypraeidae. 260 species taxa and 193 subspecies of living cowries, placed in 9 subfamilies and 49 genera, are discussed. The systematics follows molecular data as well as shell and animal morphology. A selection of fossil taxa is presented to understand the evolutionary history and the modification of the cowrie's shapes over millions of years. Diagnostic plates guide the reader to the taxa. For each taxon the original reference, synonyms, descriptions, as well as habitat and distribution are given. Introductory chapters treat the different aspects of biology and systematics and are entitled „Cowries and Man“, „Animal Morphology“, „Reproduction and Development“, „The Adult Shell“, „Habitat and Distribution“, „The Molecules“ and „History of Cowries“.

This book offers an in-depth examination of a specific genus of small cowries that exhibit minimal morphological variation. It analyzes various aspects of the cowry shell to uncover insights about its builder. The findings align closely with molecular analysis results, showcasing a modern approach that integrates conchology and genetic barcoding. The genus Pustularia (Gastropoda: Cypraeidae: Pustulariinae) is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea, but its lack of an older fossil record complicates its relationship with other living cowry groups. Distinguishing its eighteen taxa can be challenging, as the shells are defined by the presence, reduction, or absence of four key coloration features, while more subtle structural traits help differentiate subspecies. The book discusses the distribution of these taxa in the Indo-Pacific and highlights the secondary bilateral symmetry characteristic of many cowries, particularly Pustularia. It includes detailed descriptions of all species and subspecies, introducing three new subspecies: bistrinotata excelsior, b. ginoi, and chiapponii beatricae. Over 500 shells and numerous animals are featured in color plates, showcasing the subtle beauty of this genus.

This book is the first comprehensive comparative and iconographic revision of the gastropod family Ovulidae since Cate published his famous „Systematic Revision“ in The Veliger (1973). Although we have spent six years discussing and carefully evaluating the literature, an immense number of shells and animal pictures, we are unable to give conclusive answers to all the open questions, but we both feel that we have made progress. An introductory chapter shows the most important morphological features of the ovulid animal and the shell, followed by a section on the biology and ecology of these animals. The systematic part enumerates and discusses all taxa and all the information we could gather. Colour plates depicting and discussing more than 2000 shells, and hundreds of photographs of living animals illustrate the diversity of the group.

This new work on a highly popular family of shells was published on July 27, 2002, serving as a nomenclatural refresh and a trendsetter for future taxonomy in cowries. It describes 6 new species, 16 new subspecies, and validates 14 others. While some may find the changes surprising, a careful reading reveals that the author is largely justified in his decisions. The text is complemented by an extensive iconographical section that details all modifications made. The author demonstrates increased expertise in this dynamic conchological field, maintaining an open perspective for future changes. The 292-page work covers various subjects, including updates on the genus Zoila, subspecies of Mauritia maculifera and M. scurra, significant changes in the Leporicypraea-mappa-complex, and descriptions of southeastern subspecies of Lyncina porteri. It also includes research on Cypraeovula, new taxa in Nesiocypraea, and validations for subspecies of Purpuradusta fimbriata. The book further addresses the lutea-complex, a new subspecies of stolida, and an extensive revision of the nightmare teres-complex, along with new members in Cribrarula and Notadusta. It concludes with an illustrated alphabetical list of all taxa in cowries.

This completely revised and enlarged second edition of the magnificent work covers the living cowries with 207 species, many subspecies and reasonably defined forms and variations.