Vexillum (Protoelongata) heleneae, Herrmann & Stossier & Salisbury, 2014

Herrmann, Manfred, Stossier, Günter & Salisbury, Richard, 2014, A new subgenus including three new species of the genus Vexillum (Gastropoda: Costellariidae) from the central Indo-Pacific with remarks on Vexillum (Pusia) semicostatum (ANTON, 1838), Contributions to Natural History 24, pp. 1-55 : 22-26

Vexillum (Protoelongata) heleneae sp. nov.

( Figs. 6 , 20 , 52–55 )

Vexillum microzonias (LAMARCK) 17.1 mm. Sulu Archipelago – Springsteen & Leobrera (1986), [non (LAMARCK, 1811)]

Vexillum (Pusia) species 18.8 mm. Kosrae Is., Carolina Is., – Guillot de Suduiraut (2009)

Description

Slender, shiny, fusiform shell, reaching about 20 mm in length, width averages 36% of length. Elongated protoconch of five milky white glassy whorls, embryonic whorl bulbous, 4 post-embryonic whorls barrel-shaped with convex outline, each whorl slightly larger than the previous one. Teleoconch consists of 8 to 9 slightly convex whorls. Early whorls often eroded, spire outline nearly straight, whorls slightly convex, fine axial ribs on 2 nd and 3 rd whorls, becoming weak on later spire whorls, then enlarging, becoming wider and rounded on the penultimate and body whorls, most whorls with microscopic axial growth lines, suture undulate and well defined. Body whorl shiny, with large rounded axial ribs which become obsolete on the lower body whorl, fasciole with 5 to 6 rounded spiral cords growing larger toward the base. Aperture shorter than half the entire shell, lirate inside. Lip smooth, gently curved, siphonal canal short. Columella with 4 strong folds, decreasing in size anteriorly.

Colour pattern: Shell shiny black, early whorls may be dark brown or rarely grey, with a faint yellow spiral line, later whorls black with the spiral line growing larger forming a band and turning white, on most specimens the white spiral band becomes a large fulvous spot where it crosses the axial ribs. On the body whorl two distinct white spiral bands, the larger one located between the suture and aperture, another smaller, narrower, yellow or white spiral band below the periphery of the body whorl. Outer lip very thin and smooth, often reflects the colour pattern of the body whorl. Columellar folds whitish or grey. Aperture coloured as the outer shell; black with two white bands.

Animal: Siphon black with a scattering of small white spots, foot black with white triangular chevrons and white spots and streaks along the margin, eye stalks black at the base, above the eye the stalk is transparent with tiny white spots within.

Holotype: Guam, Orote Point, Orote Cliffs, collected by R. Salisbury under a pile of rocks at 18 m, 7 Jan 1978, 17.2 mm x 5.8 mm, ah 7.2 mm, MNHN 27071 .

Paratype 1: type locality and data, 15.4 mm x 5.5 mm, ah 6.9 mm, RAS ; paratypes 2–4: Guam, Orote Point, Orote Cliffs , collected by R. Salisbury under a huge pile of rubble at 12 m, 28 Apr 1979 (paratype 2: 16.5 mm x 5.9 mm, ah 7.8 mm ; paratype 3: 16.4 mm x 6.3 mm, ah 7.5 mm ; paratype 4: 16.0 mm x 5.7 mm, ah 7.3 mm), RAS ; paratype 5: Guam, Orote Point, Orote Cliffs , collected by R. Salisbury under a huge pile of rubble at 12 m, 28 Apr 1979, 15.5 mm x 5.6 mm, ah 6.6 mm, ex RAS, NMBE 519551 ; paratype 6: Guam, Agat Bay , taken in coral sand at 18–20 m by dive by F. Schroeder May 2007, 19.2 mm x 6.6 mm, ah: 8.8 mm, MH ; paratype 7: Guam, Agat Bay , in rubble at 35 ft, 18.6 mm x 6.4 mm, ah: 8.2 mm, GS ; paratype 8: Guam, Piti Reef , ex coll. Antonio Nora, 18.9 mm, SG ; paratype 9: Palau, Koror State, Ngherceu Island, Barnum Wall (07°04'52"N, 34°15'47"E), collected by night dive at 6 m by Sandro Gori 15 Nov 2009, 16.2 mm, SG ; paratypes 10–11: Palau, Koror State, Ngemelis Island, Ferry Land (07°06'30"N, 134°14'29"E), collected by night dive at 15 m on oceanside dropoff in coralline caves by Sandro Gori (paratype 10: 16 Nov 2006, 17.5 mm ; paratype 11: 12 Nov 2009, 14.8 mm), SG ; paratype 12: Palau, Koror State, Ngemelis Island, German Wall (07°07'10"N, 134°16'07"E), collected by dive at 10 m by Sandro Gori 12 Nov 2009, 17.5 mm, SG ; paratype 13: Palau, Koror State, collected by Andy Adams in rocks at 10 m, 19.4 mm x 6.7 mm, ah 7.6 mm, RAS ; paratype 14: Micronesia, Caroline Islands, Yap, O'Keefe Pass (09°29'22"N, 138°07'58"E), collected by night dive at 18 m by Sandro Gori 08 Nov 2010, 15.8 mm, SG ; paratype 15: Micronesia, Caroline Islands, Yap, Vertigo dropoff (09°35'40"N, 138°06'55"E), collected by dive at 35 m on oceanside dropoff by Sandro Gori 08 Nov 2010, 17.2 mm, SG ; paratype 16: Micronesia, Caroline Islands, Kosrae, Shark Island (05°21'12"N, 162°56'44"E), collected by dive at 12 m by Sandro Gori 13 Nov 2007, 18.8 mm, SG ; paratype 17: Marshall Islands, Kwajalein, Carlson Island , on oceanside dropoff at 15 m, in dead coral, night scuba, collected 1990, 16.9 x 5.6 mm, ah: 7.5 mm, MH ; paratypes 18–19: Marshall Islands, Kwajalein, in ledges at night, 10–15 m (paratype 18: 17.0 mm x 6.3 mm, ah: 8.3 mm ; paratype 19: 15.9 mm x 5.9 mm, ah: 7.9 mm), GS. paratype 20: Marshall Islands, Kwajalein, Carlson Island , on oceanside dropoff at 45 ft, in coral rubble pockets, night scuba, collected 1990, 16.6 x 5.4 mm, ah: 7.5 mm, AMD ; paratype 21: Marshall Islands, Kwajalein Atoll, by diver, 18.2 x 6.2 mm, ah: 7.9 mm, AMD ; paratypes 22–25: Marshall Islands, Kwajalein Atoll, collected 1968 in rubble at 7 m (paratype 22: 17.9 mm x 6.5 mm, ah 8.9 mm ; paratype 23: 17.5 mm x 6.0 mm, ah 8.2 mm ; paratype 24: 19.6 mm x 7.1 mm, ah 9.0 mm ; paratype 25: 15.5 mm x 6.2 mm, ah 7.4 mm (immature)), ex Andy Adams collection, RAS ; paratype 26: French Polynesia, Marquesas, Tahuata, 12.9 x 5.0 mm, ah: 6.0 mm, AMD ; paratypes 27–28: French Polynesia, Society Islands, Tahiti, Toahotu , 1–3 m under dead coral, small sponges and shells, collected Aug 2006 by Gilbert Busson (paratype 27: 17.2 x 6.5 mm, ah: 8.1 mm ; paratype 28: 15.9 x 6.2 mm, ah: 7.7 mm, subadult), TB ; paratype 29: French Polynesia, Society Islands, Tahiti , Punaauia, collected 2012, 12.4 x 4.5 mm, TB ; paratype 30: French Polynesia, Society Islands, Moorea , beach collected by Daniela Gori, 20.2 mm, SG ; paratype 31: French Polynesia, Society Islands, Tahiti, Arue , collected 2009, outer slope of reef barrier lagoon, 25–30 m, 14.0 mm x 5.6 mm, ah 6.6 mm, RG 58.53A1 ; paratype 32: French Polynesia, Tuamotu, Makemo , collected 2009, outer slope of reef exterior, 30–40 m, 14.3 mm x 5.1 mm, ah 6.8 mm, MB 58.53A2.

Type locality: Marianas Islands, Guam, Orote Point, Orote Cliffs.

Distribution: From Palau in the west via Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia (Yap to the Caroline Islands) and the Marshall Islands to French Polynesia in the southeast.

Etymology: Named after Hélène Boutet, whose help in collecting a number of small species contributed to our knowledge of the gastropod fauna of French Polynesia.

Discussion

Vexillum (Protoelongata) heleneae sp. nov. has been confused with Vexillum (Pusia) microzonias (LAMARCK, 1811) . A side-by-side comparison photo was taken with the lectotype of Mitra microzonias on the left and the new species on the right ( Fig. 55 ). This new species is more slender, with 2 bands of colour on the body whorl, spire more slender and protoconch of a much different design.

This new species is most closely related to Vexillum (Protoelongata) bilineatum ( REEVE, 1845) comb. nov. ( Figs 36–39 ). It differs in having large fulvous spots on the axial ribs on the whorls, whereas in V. (Pr.) bilineatum two yellow spiral lines are present on the body whorl.

V. (Pr.) heleneae sp. nov. could also be confused with Vexillum (Pusia) geronimae POPPE, TAGARO & SALISBURY, 2009 ( Figs 66–68 ). The latter differs from this new species in having a dark protoconch, no smooth whorls, but axial ribs also on the first whorls and strong spiral sculpture on the whole shell. The colour pattern of V. (Pr.) heleneae sp. nov. is black with white spots while V. (P.) geronimae is brown with yellow and brown bands and a lighter siphonal fasciole.

The new species also is comparable to Vexillum (Pusia) semicostatum (ANTON, 1838) ( Figs 56–57 ) because of the dark colour and white dots on the axial ribs, but the new species is about twice as large (~ 20 mm vs. 10 mm), more slender, the shell colour is black instead of brown, the first whorls are milky grey and the white flat dots are present regularly in the anterior half of the whorls, whereas in V. (P.) semicostatum the larger raised dots are not present on every axial rib but, when present, cover the entire rib.

Figures

Plate 1: Vexillum (Protoelongata) subgen. nov., all figures 4.5 x Fig. 1: Vexillum (Protoelongata) dekkersi sp. nov., paratype 1, Philippines, Bohol, Balicasag Island, collected 2000, 11.7 mm, MS 63760. Fig. 2: Vexillum (Protoelongata) bilineatum (REEVE, 1845) comb. nov., Philippines, Cebu, dived 15–20 m, 20.6 mm, MH. Fig. 3: Vexillum (Protoelongata) xerampelina (MELVILL, 1895) comb. nov., holotype, Arabian Sea, Yemen, Aden, 18.8 mm, ex coll. E.R. Shopland; J.C. Melvill, NMW.1955.158.00429 (coll. Melvill-Tomlin). Fig. 4: Vexillum (Protoelongata) rubrotaeniatum sp. nov., paratype 9, Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, Bonegi, collected Aug 1987 by F. Lorenz on rocks at night at 21 m, 13.8 mm, MH. Fig. 5: Vexillum (Protoelongata) corallinum (REEVE, 1845) comb. nov., Philippines, Bohol, Balicasag Island, 73–88 m, 17.5 mm, ex coll. Steinke, MH. Fig. 6: Vexillum (Protoelongata) heleneae sp. nov., holotype, Guam, Orote Point, Orote Cliffs, collected by R. Salisbury under a pile of rocks at 18 m, 7 Jan 1978, 17.2 mm, MNHN 27071. Fig. 7: Vexillum (Protoelongata) loyaltyense (HERVIER, 1897) comb. nov., Philippines, Cebu, Mactan Island, Punta Engaño, collected 2009 by lumun lumun net at 25–50 m, 10.3 mm, MH. Photos: Fig. 3 Harriet Wood (NMW), Fig. 6 Richard Salisbury, other photos Manfred Herrmann.

Plate 7: Vexillum (Protoelongata) species. Fig. 19: Vexillum (Protoelongata) rubrotaeniatum sp. nov., Marshall Islands, Kwajalein Atoll. Photo by Scott Johnson with detail of elongated protoconch. Fig. 20: Vexillum (Protoelongata) heleneae sp. nov., Marshall Islands, Kwajalein Atoll. Photo by Gloria & Kermit Pearson.

Plate 11: Vexillum (Protoelongata) bilineatum (REEVE, 1845) comb. nov., all figures 5 x Fig. 36a–b: Syntype 1/3, unknown locality, 16.5 mm, NHMUK 1888.1.9.20. Fig. 37: Juvenile Specimen, Guam, Orote Point, Orote Cliffs, scuba dived April 1979 under a huge pile of boulders at 17 m by Richard Salisbury, 9.0 mm, RAS. Fig. 38: Type figure of Mitra bilineata REEVE, 1845. Fig. 39: Specimen, Philippines, Cebu, dived 15–20 m, 20.6 mm, MH. Photos: Fig. 36 John Wolff, Fig. 37 Richard Salisbury, Fig. 39 Manfred Herrmann.

Plate 15: Vexillum (Protoelongata) heleneae sp. nov., all figures 4 x Fig. 52a–b: Paratype 27, French Polynesia, Society Islands, Tahiti, Toahotu, 1–3 m under dead coral, small sponges and shells, collected Aug 2006 by Gilbert Busson; 17.2 mm, TB. Fig. 53: Holotype, Guam, Orote Point, Orote Cliffs, collected 7 Jan 1978 by R. Salisbury under a pile of rocks at 18 m, 17.2 mm, MNHN 27071. Fig. 54a–b: Paratype 17, Marshall Islands, Kwajalein, Carlson Island, collected 1990 by night scuba on oceanside dropoff at 15 m in dead coral, 16.9 mm, MH. Fig. 55: comparison photo; left side: lectotype of Mitra microzonias LAMARCK, 1811, Indian Ocean (OD), 18.2 mm, MHNG 1108/12/1, right side: V. (Pr.) heleneae sp. nov., Marshall Islands, Kwajalein, collected 1968 in rubble at 6 m, 18.1 mm, RAS. Photos: Fig. 53 Richard Salisbury, Fig. 55 Hans Turner, other photos Manfred Herrmann.

Plate 16: Vexillum (Pusia) species, all figures 7 x Fig. 56: Vexillum (Pusia) semicostatum (ANTON, 1838), Lectotype (designated herein), 8.7 mm, MTD 3152. Fig. 57: Vexillum (Pusia) semicostatum (ANTON, 1838), Indonesia, Sulawesi, Lembeh Island, collected 2005 by F. Lorenz, 7.0 mm, MH. Fig. 58: Syntype 2/3 of Vexillum (Pusia) semicostatum (ANTON, 1838) = Vexillum (Pusia) tusum (REEVE, 1845), excluded from the type lot MTD 3152, 5.9 mm, MTD. Fig. 59: Type figure of Mitra tusa REEVE, 1845, Philippines, Island of Mindoro, Puerto Galero. Fig. 60: Syntype 3/3 of Vexillum (Pusia) semicostatum (ANTON, 1838) = Vexillum (Pusia) tusum (REEVE, 1845), excluded from the type lot MTD 3152, 7.4 mm, MTD. Fig. 61: Vexillum (Pusia) tusum (REEVE, 1845), Philippines, Cebu, collected 2005, 8.1 mm, MH. Photos: Figs 56, 58, 60 Katrin Schniebs (MTD), Figs 57a–b, 61 Manfred Herrmann.

Plate 18: Vexillum (Pusia) geronimae POPPE, TAGARO & SALISBURY, 2009, all figures 5 x Fig. 66: Holotype, Philippines, Palawan, Balabac Island, taken 2008 at 4 m by local fishermen, 17.4 mm, NMP. Fig. 67a–b: Specimen, Philippines, Cebu, divers 15–20 m, 14.5 mm, MH. Fig. 68: Specimen, Philippines, Cebu, Mactan Island, Punta Engaño, collected 2006 by tangle nets at 50–70 m on sandy coral rubble, 18.2 mm, MH. Photos: Fig. 66 © Conchology, Inc., other photos Manfred Herrmann.