On the taxonomic identity of Notocochlis gualteriana (Récluz, 1844) in relation to Natica burnupi E.A. Smith, 1903 and Natica marochiensis (Gmelin, 1791) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Naticidae), pp. 1-25, pls I-XV, by Frank Nolf & Steve Hubrecht

Keywords: Mollusca, Gastropoda, NATICIDAE, Notocochlis, Natica, Notocochlis gualteriana, Natica burnupi, Natica marochiensis, geographic distribution, East Atlantic waters, KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract: Our study initially commenced with the identification of an unknown specimen of Notocochlis sp. from Benin (Gulf of Guinea) and culminated in a comparative examination of Natica marochiensis (Gmelin, 1791), with a particular focus on Notocochlis gualteriana (Récluz, 1844), Natica burnupi E.A. Smith, 1903, and other related species, including those previously described as synonyms of these taxa in the literature. The unidentified specimen from Benin exhibits most of the morphological characteristics of Natica burnupi, a species described from South Africa, that Kilburn (1972) considered a junior synonym of N. gualteriana. However, following the examination of numerous specimens of both taxa from KwaZulu-Natal, the present study challenges Kilburn’s conclusion. Furthermore, a comparative analysis has been conducted with specimens of N. gualteriana across the entire Indo-Pacific region. A detailed morphological comparison of Notocochlis gualteriana and Natica marochiensis supports the view that both species belong to the genus Notocochlis, as originally proposed by Powell (1933). The findings further suggest that they likely represent a single species or at least a subspecies rather than distinct taxa.

Acesta verstraeteni (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Limidae), a new species from Eastern Atlantic waters, compared with similar species, pp.26-39, pls I-VIII, by Frank Nolf

Keywords: Mollusca, Bivalvia, LIMIDAE, Acesta, Western Africa.

Abstract: A new species of Acesta from the Eastern Atlantic waters is described and compared with related species.