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Meet at 13:00h in the Cliff Leader: Tom Clifton exhibits and demonstration Car Park, grid ref. TF (01248 853359) (home) material. Lecture to start at contents 678423. Participants coming (07767 494355) (mobile) 14:00h. by train can be picked up at [email protected] 2 We welcome as Guest Society information Kings Lynn railway station. Meet in Benllech, Anglesey Speaker Adele Grindon from Society website The last train that can be at a time to be arranged. Nottingham University on the met should arrive by 12 3 subject of ‘Archaeology, noon. The last train from The purpose of this meeting CSGBI Regional meeting DNA patterns and the Ben Rowson Kings Cross, London is is primarily to survey an area colonisation of Ireland by Wildlife Surveys in Mollusc 10:15h according to the on the south shore of the ’. NT Gardens winter timetable, therefore Lleyn Peninsula at Traeth Matthew Oates participants should check the Crugan.This region has FIELD – Saturday & Sunday 4 train times closer to the shown to be unique in the 11-12 October Planorbis carinatus meeting before travelling. range of live which Forest of Dean/Wye Valley. J Hudson Participants travelling by can be found from shore Malacolimax tenellus search. 5 road should come in on the based surveys and it would Leader: David Long Colour patterns in A149 to Hunstanton and take be interesting to see if some (01242 527673) (home) the road signposted to the conclusions can be reached Malcolm Symonds World ISSUE No.16 cliffs. You can see the as to why this area is so Meeting point to be 8 lighthouse from the car park. different from others. It is arranged, at 10:30h. Poster of Unio tumidiformis There may be a charge. believed that it was the site Castro 1885 MARCH 2008 Please tell Celia your travel of the mouth of a glacial river YCS – Saturday Joaquim Reis arrangements. which drained water from a 11 October 2008: 9 south moving ice field which Weedley Springs. Low tide is about 15.30. We Holbrook Millpond revisited was trapped by the Lleyn Contact: David Lindley plan to follow the tide down. Ian Killeen Peninsula. The mouth of this (0113 2697047) (home), This attractive town is on the 10 river was thought to exit near david.lindley3@btinternet. edge of the Wash; there are Rhosilli Field Meeting Report Pwllheli and that an area of com low cliffs, a very, very long Celia Pain submerged banks at Traeth sandy beach and Mytilus Meet at 10:30h near the 12 Crugan, which now forms a beds further out. All British church in West End near Archenhills & Mill Copice large lagoon at low tide, may species of Ensis are living South Cave, VC 61, grid ref. Field Meeting have been the south shore Rosemary Winnall here, including the alien E. SE 915309 for Weedley of this river. americanus. It is a long time Springs and 1km recording 14 since the Society ran field The group will also be able J. Davy Dean’s Saturday 25 October 2008: Ben Rowson meeting here, it will be good to survey an area on the all-day Council meeting at to update our records. north Lleyn at Porth Towyn 17 NHM and Porth Ysgaden. Porth Pease Dean Field Meeting Adrian T Sumner FIELD – Saturday & Sunday Towyn has always produced INDOOR – Saturday 16-17 August among the best shell sand to 18 15 November Northern Ireland. be found in this area; it Molluscs in Roman Art All-day meeting at National Peter Topley Leader: Roy Anderson. would be nice to know where Museum of Wales, Cathays (02890 582686) (home), the are living. 20 Park. Further details to be [email protected] papillaris There will also be a chance announced. S Peter Dance to survey an area in the YCS – Saturday 21 Menai Strait known as the WKSHP – Saturday 6 September corneum Swellies, this is where the 29 November Ian Killeen Haxby. Strait narrows to pass under The annual workshop held in Contact: David Lindley 23 the Menai Bridge and Woking offers members the Inventaire National du (0113 2697047) (home), provides an excellent opportunity to receive tuition Patrimoine Naturel david.lindley3@btinternet. catchment area for on identifying difficult groups. Ian Killeen com specimens carried up the Bookings to Judith Nelson 24 Meet at 10:30h at Terry Strait on the tides. (01483 761210)(home) Lymnaea palustris Crawford’s house, 2 Provisional subject: to be Ron Carr More details will be supplied Crooklands Lane, Haxby, announced. 25 later. York, grid ref. SE 610586 for Man & Molluscs Haxby ponds and general NHM – Saturday Adrian T Sumner NHM – Saturday area. 6 December 2008 26 4 October 2008 14:00h in the Demonstration Book review of 11:00h in the Demonstration FIELD – Monday to Thursday Room, preceded by Council Trail by Sarah Lucas Room. Jane Bonney 15-18 September meeting. Lleyn Peninsula, Note the revised earlier start Molluscan quiz devised by 27 North Wales. time. No Council meeting. Jane Bonney. Diary ISSN 1740-1070 Marine meeting. Please bring plenty of THE MAGAZINE OF THE CONCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND 28 MW16 ART visual:MW16 ART 13/10/2009 12:31 Page 2

Editorial MARINE: . Living specimens from around the CSGBI REGIONAL MEETING British Isles can be compared, and there will be introductions to dissection and recent name changes. A few years ago I wrote an article for provision of additional distributional poster on Unio tumidiformis (see page 8). Amgueddfa Cymru – National Graham Oliver has also offered to examine difficult British the Conchologists’ Newsletter on data for either species has attracted Finally, could I just remind everyone ‘lumping’ in the Lymnaeidae. Out of little interest from recorders. Recently Museum Wales, Cardiff bivalves brought to the meeting. The collections and that all articles for Mollusc World and all this arose a study with Ron Carr which published records often still refer to “L. library will also be available for other purposes (again, correspondence concerning articles recognised Lymnaea (Stagnicola) fusca palustris agg”, the few specimens Sat 15 – Sun 16 November 2008 please let us know in advance). must in the first instance be sent to me and L. palustris as distinct taxa, both of supplied for anatomical examination and not sent directly to the designer which occurred in Britain and Ireland. have being mainly submitted by non- This is an early announcement with some important TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION (Emma Pitrakou). There have been In 2002 Ron had recognised Cernuella malacologists”. I can report that I have information for those wishing to attend. Please note that Attendees will need to make their own travel and occasions when articles had been sent aginnica as occurring in Britain. Then in only received one enquiry from a the dates above have now been finalised. Further directly to Emma and my first accommodation arrangements. IMPORTANT: Cardiff’s 2004 Roy Anderson described Arion member concerning the Sphaerium knowledge of them was when I information will follow in a later issue of Mollusc World and Millennium Stadium hosts major sporting fixtures that can occultus as a new species of , and species. Therefore I have written an received the proofs for checking! Emma on the Society’s website. Attendance is free, but the more cause disruption elsewhere in the city. They do not release also in 2004 Killeen et al. recognised article which I hope will stimulate some is an excellent designer and the advance notice we have of numbers the better. If you plan dates until June so we cannot guarantee that the meeting Sphaerium nucleus as part of our fauna. interest. attractive product we have today is due to come, or have any enquiries, please contact Ben will not coincide with a match. Thus we strongly Whilst the Society has embraced the In Mollusc World 15, we featured the to her skill and imagination. It is not at Rowson at the address below. recommend booking your accommodation as early as new nomenclature published by work of Joaquim Reis who was all fair to expect her to do the job of Anderson in 2005, there appears to be a possible. Also please note that on match days, roads awarded the Society’s prize for best forwarding articles to me for editing! CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS reluctance to either search for or around the Museum may be closed, and parking, coach poster with a conservation theme at last separate these recently recognised Ian Killeen We would welcome short (10-20 mins) presentations on and rail services disrupted. More details will be released year’s World Congress of Malacology in species. In this issue of Mollusc World, any molluscan subject. Powerpoint/laptop/projector when we have them – in the meantime, don’t let this put Antwerp. In this issue we have Ron Carr observes “Since the separation facilities will be available. To offer a presentation, please you off! reproduced Joaquim’s prize winning of the two British species (of Lymnaea), let us know as soon as you can and indicate whether you need additional facilities. Hope to see you in Cardiff,

WORKSHOPS Ben Mollusc World We are planning two identification workshops, relevant to both beginners and those with more experience. MARINE: Ben Rowson, BIOSYB, National Museum of Wales, This magazine is intended as a medium for communication Conchology which specialises in Molluscan Biogeography, PYRAMIDELLID MICROGASTROPODS (Odostomia & Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP. between members on all aspects of Molluscs from and Conservation and Mollusc World, our Brachystomia) using the Cardiff collections to help Email: [email protected]. archaeology to life in the sea, field collecting at home and newsletter for members. New members are always welcome members agree on the identity of particular taxa. NON- Mobile: 07817 377 484 www.museumwales.ac.uk abroad and even eating molluscs. If you look back on the to attend field meetings and indoor meetings before joining. content over the last three years we include articles, field How to become a member meeting reports, research news, results from the mapping schemes and identification keys. We welcome all Subscriptions are payable in January each year, and run for contributions in whatever form they arrive. the period 1st January to 31st December. Wildlife Surveys in National Trust Gardens How to submit articles: Ordinary membership £33.00 Copy (handwritten, typed or electronic) should be sent to the Family/Joint membership £35.00 The National Trust needs to learn more about the wildlife members. Some care will need to be taken over recording Editor at the address below. If sending electronic copy using occurring in its 130 formal gardens, attached to historic methods, such as using nets publicly and entering garden Institutional membership (UK & Ireland) £47.00 e-mail please include a subject line “Mollusc World mansions. Recent surveys of a small sample of gardens ponds: do please contact the Trust property in advance submission” and send a separate mail without any Institutional membership (Overseas) £50.00 discovered four species of invertebrate new to Britain: a should your recording techniques necessitate such attachments advising that the e-mail was sent. Electronic Student membership £15.00 Mediterranean door snail, a bug on mistletoe, an obscure disturbance (see NT web site or Members Handbook). submission is preferred in Microsoft Word, but if other leaf litter fly and a paper wasp. Also, grassland fungi Many properties will welcome detailed surveys by programmes (e.g. Works) are used, please indicate the Payments in sterling only, to membership secretary at address surveys identified several National Trust lawns as being of specialists and can enable free entrance, including on days below. £1 discount given to payments before March 31st each programme used with the accompanying e-mail. national importance, particularly for wax cap fungi. It is when gardens are not open to the public. year. For UK residents we suggest payment by standing likely that many Trust gardens are of importance for rare Images and Artwork may be digitised, but we recommend order, and if a UK tax payer at standard rate we encourage that a digital image size no larger than 8” x 6” and 300 dpi be you to sign a Gift Aid form. or declining species, perhaps especially invertebrates (e.g. Full details of existing survey knowledge, garden by sent with your submission. For line art we recommend that mining bees and dragonflies). Clearly, it is the resident garden, and information for surveyors are on the Trust you send hard copy, all originals will be treated with care and Overseas members can pay by IBAN transfer to the following and regularly visiting species that count, rather than odd web site. returned by “snail-mail”. account: vagrants. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wildlifeingardens Please send articles to: The Conchological Society, National Westminster Bank, Records of interest are welcome via a special email Bolton, BL1 1BN Obviously, these places are gardens, rather than nature address: [email protected] Ian Killeen, 53 Charleville Square, Rathfarnham, IBAN GB12 NWBK 0130 9906 5238 46 BIC NWBK GB2L reserves, but the Trust will do whatever it can to Dublin 14, Ireland. encourage wildlife in its gardens, especially rare species, Matthew Oates Contact: Mike Weideli, 35 Bartlemy Road, Newbury, Berks, so long as this does not unduly compromise garden Advisor on Nature Conservation E-mail: [email protected] RG14 6LD management. National Trust About the Society Design by Emma Pitrakou Heelis The Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland is one Printed by Henry Ling Ltd The Trust wishes to hear from naturalists visiting its Kemble Drive of the oldest societies devoted to the study of Molluscs. It © Conchological Society of Great Britain & Ireland gardens, particularly specialists in the less widely Swindon was founded in 1876 and has over 300 members worldwide. recorded wildlife groups. Entrance to gardens is free to SN2 2NA Members receive two publications Journal of

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Planorbis carinatus in Pembrokeshire Changes in colour pattern in fossil (West Wales) Neritidae Malcolm Symonds J. Hudson (CCW) 5 Croft Villas, Camrose, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire Colour polymorphism in gastropods white dots on a black background than calcite. In the Neritidae the shell Pembrokeshire (VC45) lies on the Adrian Norris who confirmed both this area may well be suitable for P. has been the subject of numerous (Fig. 2), had for some time been a is composed of crossed-lamellar western coast of south Wales and has the identification and fact that this carinatus and should be searched for detailed studies and it is clear that matter of speculation with some aragonite with an outer layer of more an extremely oceanic climate. Much of was indeed a new species for the the species. various factors are involved. For authorities considering P. tristis to be stable calcite, which protects the the north of the county is underlain county. example it has been shown that in a separate species and others colour pigments, and this is the only by ancient acidic shales and volcanic The author would like to thank the saxatilis (Olivi, 1792) colour regarding it as a subspecies or merely fossil family in which preservation of rocks, whereas younger sandstones Subsequent searches along this stretch following people for assistance with morphs are genetically established a colour morph of P. pupa. the colour pattern can confidently be and limestones occur in the south. of river found numerous adult and various aspects in the production of and the variation in frequency of a Gunderson and Minton found a expected (Hollingsworth & Barker, The Western Cleddau is a soft-water juvenile animals present under stones this paper; Matt Sutton & Sam particular colour morph in different colony of P. tristis in Jamaica living in 1991). Some fossil species have a river, rising barely a mile and a half along the river channel edge. Other Bosanquet of CCW for initial help habitats is determined by natural freshwater pools above the tide line. considerable range of colour patterns from the sea in North West gastropod associates included Physa with identifications, Adrian Norris selection through the agency of visual They took specimens of P. pupa from comparable to recent species such as Pembrokeshire but follows a winding fontinalis, Succinea/Oxyloma spp. and the Society’s non-marine Recorder for predators (Ekendahl & Johannesson, saltwater pools and moved them to C. oualaniensis. One example is Clithon course south eastwards for some 17 Ancylus fluviatilis. Further searches at determination and Nick Hudson for 1997). With the trochid the P. tristis colony. The translocated pictus (Férussac, 1825) and figures 6 to miles to reach tidal water at a number of points along this river comments on the text. constricta (Lamarck, 1822), on the specimens showed an abrupt change 9 show a selection of colour patterns Haverfordwest. North of showed that whilst the species occurs other hand, experiments have with new growth displaying the in specimens from the Aquitainian Haverfordwest the river occupies a elsewhere it appears to be largely References established that variation in colour colour pattern typical of P. tristis. (Miocene, age approximately 20 wide floodplain. In this stretch of the restricted to those sections of the river 1. Kerney, M.P. 1999 Atlas of the land & pattern is influenced by diet They also found that colonies living million years) of south west France. river there are pools and riffles as that are not densely shaded by trees freshwater molluscs of Britain & Ireland. (Underwood & Creese, 1976). Some in pools with freshwater influence but well as some large meanders where and may have a rather restricted Harley Books, Colchester. nerite species exhibit an especially within the splash zone, where the Fossil molluscs were often extensive gravel shoals form. It was distribution. The Eastern Cleddau wide range of colour patterns, often water was brackish, had an transported and sorted by currents here that shells of Planorbis carinatus River which meets the Western Map source: © Crown Copyright. All within a single population subject to intermediate colour pattern with prior to deposition in which case it is were first found in November 2006. Cleddau in its tidal reaches has not rights reserved NERC 100017897 2004 broadly similar environmental black lines which split and crossed no longer possible to be sure where yet been searched. It seems quite conditions. Grüneberg (1976, 1978, giving an irregular netted appearance they were actually living. A good Previously the most westerly records likely that P. carinatus could occur 1979 & 1982) carried out detailed (Figs 3 & 4). These tests indicated that example is the well-known fossil shell of Planorbis carinatus in Wales were here too. studies of just such a variable species, P. tristis was an ecophenotype of bed, forming part of the Blackheath from the Llanelli area in east Clithon (Pictoneritina) oualaniensis P. pupa and this was further Beds (Early Eocene, age Carmarthenshire. Empty shells of P. Some of the small tributaries feeding (Lesson, 1831). He eventually substantiated by DNA analysis, approximately 50 million years), at carinatus were initially found the Western Cleddau as well as a concluded that both genotypes and which suggested that only one species Abbey Wood, in the London Borough downstream from St Catherines number of other small brooks were phenotypes were involved and that was involved. Specimens of P. pupa, of Bexley. This bed is formed from an Bridge, near Haverfordwest in also searched but no further the wide range of colour patterns in which show an abrupt change of ancient shell-bank composed mainly Pembrokeshire (SM9428619502) as a specimens of P. carinatus were found. this species resulted from the colour pattern at some stage in the of sand with flint pebbles and fossil result of hand searching among river Despite the failure to find P. carinatus interaction of hereditary and shell’s development, occur naturally, molluscs and vertebrates. The flood detritus on gravel shoals on in any of these smaller streams it is environmental factors, for which he presumably as a result either of a molluscs are from a variety of November 18th 2006. This site is at perfectly possible that the species coined the term “pseudo- variation in the salinity of its habitats and consist of marine, least 60 km (in a direct line) west of may be present and that future polymorphism”. environment, for instance from a brackish and freshwater species; the any previous records for the species. searches may locate the species in at stream changing course, or the vertebrate remains include shark’s Initial field examination suggested least some of them. In other nerite species the colour transportation of the mollusc to a teeth and terrestrial mammal teeth. that the shells were those of P. pattern usually varies within a different environment, for example by The most common neritid is Clithon carinatus. The shells were then The finding of a relatively large narrow range but environmental a storm. Figure 5 illustrates a change (Pictoneritina) pisiformis (Férussac, examined using a binocular species of in a well influence can result in a more of colour pattern from the striped 1823), which has a pattern of thin, microscope and were identified as P. monitored SAC river well beyond its significant change. Gunderson and form of P. pupa to an intermediate dark, transverse lines on a light carinatus. M.D. Sutton examined the recorded range should give Minton (1978) carried out form although, unfortunately, this background (Fig. 12). The lines are shells and concurred with this encouragement to the expectation that experiments with the Caribbean change is not as dramatic as in the waved or zigzag with the precise identification. The Atlas of the land & P. carinatus may be found elsewhere species pupa (Linné, 1758), specimens resulting from Gunderson pattern varying from one individual freshwater molluscs of Britain & in Pembrokeshire and west Wales. which is a fairly common inhabitant and Minton’s experiments and to another. Rare specimens have three Ireland was consulted1 and it The species does not appear to be Fig 1.Planorbis carinatus of intertidal rock pools and has a figured by them. pale spiral bans around the shell (Fig. appeared that the species had not particularly demanding in its habitat Fig 2. UK distribution of Planorbis distinctive pattern of zebra stripes 10). Rundle (1971) in his definitive previously been recorded from requirements though it is usually carinatus (Fig. 1). The relationship between this Most fossil molluscs lose their colour thesis on the of the Pembrokeshire. The Conchological found in waters with a fairly diverse species and Puperita tristis (d’Orbigny, pattern during the process of Blackheath/Oldhaven Beds of Kent Society was notified of the find and a molluscan fauna. Similar medium to 1842), which has a shell similar in fossilisation. In some families this is figured a similar specimen and specimen sent for determination by large rivers and streams throughout shape to P. pupa but an entirely due, in part, to the shell being formed considered it to be merely a variation different colour pattern consisting of of aragonite, which is more soluble in pattern from the more common

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form of C. pisiformis. This is to establish exactly where and in Press, London supported by the specimen in Figure what habitat the fossil specimen PAUL, C. R. C. 1989. The molluscan 11, in which the zigzag pattern in the lived. However it is usually faunal succession in the Hatherwood initial part of the teleoconch abruptly considered safe to assume in the case Limestone Member (Upper Eocene), Isle of Wight, . Tertiary Research. 10: changes in the body to the of fossil species which are closely 147-162. banded form. related to recent species, that they RUNDLE, A. J. 1971. The Mollusca of the occupied similar environments to Blackheath/Oldhaven Beds of Kent. Another species which has both their living relatives. Where a fossil Unpublished Thesis submitted to the unbanded (Fig. 13) and banded (Fig. nerite shows an abrupt change of University of Nottingham for the Degree 14) forms is Clithon (Pictoneritina) colour pattern, as in Figures 11 and 15 of Doctor of Philosophy. planulatus (Edwards, 1866) from the to 18, it seems to me to be a UNDERWOOD, A. J. & CREESE, R. G. Hatherwood Limestone which forms reasonable assumption that this may 1976. Observations on the biology of the part of the Headon Hill Formation on well have been the result of a sudden trochid gastropod (Lamarck) (Prosobranchia). II. The effects the Isle of Wight (Late Eocene, age change in some aspect of its of available food on shell-banding pattern. approximately 35 million years). In environment, such as salinity as in Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and contrast to the Abbey Wood shell bed, the case of P. pupa. In some cases the Ecology. 23: 229-240. the Hatherwood Limestone was laid change in colour pattern coincides down in a fairly stable environment. with damage to the outer which Figures: The lower limestone is thought to would be consistent with violent 1 to 5. Manzanillo, Costa Rica. have formed mainly in freshwater movement during a storm. 1. . Intertidal rock pool. marshes, although the basal bed Height 7 mm. indicates a brackish influence; the I am very grateful to Daniel Ledon for 2. Puperita “tristis”. Rock pool, upper shore near stream mouth. Height 9.5 mm. upper limestone represents slightly supplying the specimens, which I 3. Puperita pupa. Intermediate form. Rock saline environments (Paul, 1989). C. have figured, from France. pool, upper shore, brackish water. Height planulatus is common at two levels: 9 mm. the basal bed of the lower limestone References: 4. Puperita pupa. Intermediate form. Rock and the “Theodoxus planulatus Bed” in CURRY, D. 1960. New names for some pool, upper shore, brackish water. Height the upper limestone. Curry (1960) common English Lower Tertiary molluscs. 8.8 mm. stated that about 50% of C. planulatus Proceedings of the Malacological Society of 5. Puperita pupa. Showing change of London, 33(6): 265-277. specimens were banded but this pattern. Rock pool, upper shore, brackish EKENDAHL, A. & JOHANNESSON, K. actually depends on the bed in which water. Height 5.6 mm. 1997. Shell colour variation in Littorina 6 to 9. Aquitainian, Saint-Avit, south west they occur. A sample, which Bill saxatilis Olivi (Prosobranchia: France. Pocock and I took from the basal bed ): a multi-factor approach. 6. Clithon pictus. Height 8.8 mm. at Headon Hill in 2006, produced 99% Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 62; 7. Clithon pictus. Height 7.8 mm. banded specimens; on the other hand, 401-409. 8. Clithon pictus. Height 8 mm. in the “Theodoxus planulatus Bed” the GRÜNEBERG, H. 1976. Population 9. Clithon pictus. Height 6.2 mm. banded form is in the minority. Figure studies on a Polymorphic prosobranch 10 to 12. Blackheath Beds, Abbey Wood, 15 shows a juvenile shell with a snail (Clithon (Pictoneritina) oualaniensis London. Lesson). Philosophical Transactions of the banded shell changing abruptly to an 10. Clithon (Pictoneritina) pisiformis. Royal Society of London. 278: 385-437. unbanded form but such examples Banded morph. Height 7.8 mm. GRÜNEBERG, H. 1978. Micro evolution 11. Clithon (Pictoneritina) pisiformis. are, in my experience rare, perhaps in a Polymorphic prosobranch snail Showing change of pattern. Height 5.6 because of the environment at the (Clithon oualaniensis Lesson). Proceedings of mm. time which would have given limited the Royal Society of London. 200: 419-440. 12. Clithon (Pictoneritina) pisiformis. scope for molluscs to be transported GRÜNEBERG, H. 1979. A search for Common form. Height 9.2 mm. to a different habitat. However in causes of polymorphism in Clithon 13 to 15. Hatherwood Limestone, Headon some deposits abrupt changes of (Pictoneritina) oualaniensis (Lesson). Hill, Isle of Wight. colour pattern are not uncommon; for Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. 13. Clithon (Pictoneritina) planulatus. 203: 379-386. example figures 16 to 18 show colour Unbanded. Height 8 mm. GRÜNEBERG, H. 1982. Pseudo- pattern changes in Clithon 14. Clithon (Pictoneritina) planulatus. polymorphism in Clithon oualaniensis. Banded. Height 9.6 mm. (Pictoneritina) passyanus (Deshayes, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. 15. Clithon (Pictoneritina) planulatus. 1864) from the Bartonian of 216: 147-157. Showing change of pattern. 4.8 mm. Chavençon in the Paris Basin (Middle GUNDERSON, R. & MINTON, R. 1978. 16 to 18. Bartonian, Chavençon, Paris to Late Eocene, age approximately 40 Do spots equal stripes? American Basin. million years). Conchologist. 25 (4): 22-3. 16. Clithon (Pictoneritina) passyanus. HOLLINGWORTH, N.T.J. & BARKER, Height 6.2 mm. Obviously with fossil gastropods it is M. J. 1991. Colour pattern preservation in the 17. Clithon (Pictoneritina) passyanus. fossil record: taphonomy and diagenetic not possible to carry out the same Height 4.8 mm. significance. 105-119 in; The Processes of tests and experiments as with living 18. Clithon (Pictoneritina) passyanus. Fossilization. Ed S.K.Donovan. Belhaven Height 5.5 mm. material; indeed it is often impossible

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Holbrook Millpond revisited Ian Killeen

There are relatively few species of land or freshwater Michael Kerney visited Holbrook millpond in 1970 and molluscs on the British list which have their type localities recorded 24 species of freshwater molluscs including in Britain. Those that are include species described by Bithynia leachii and Pisidium henslowanum (Kerney 1971). I , da Costa, Montagu, Jenyns and so on. Thus a site also visited the site during the 1980s as part of the Suffolk which is the type locality for 2 species is most unusual. In mollusc Atlas project and again recorded both species 1823 the Reverend Revett Sheppard described leachii (Killeen 1992). In early 2007 I had reason to revisit based on specimens sent to him by Dr Leach. The species Holbrook millpond when Peter Glöer asked if I could was recorded as “found sparingly in Campsey Mere, and collect him some topotypic material of Bithynia leachii. Holbrook stream and millpond. In the same paper The village of Holbrook lies on the peninsula formed by (Sheppard 1823) he also described Tellina henslowana based the estuaries of the River Stour and River Orwell, c. 8km upon specimens collected by Professor Henslow from an south of Ipswich. The pond is c. 300m long and most is unknown location and again sent to him by Leach. surrounded by woodland. The outlet stream to the mill Sheppard notes that the species was found “sparingly in passes under a road at the eastern end of the pond. There the stream at Holbrook”. These species are now known as has some recent felling to create more open areas for Bithynia leachii and Pisidium henslowanum and Holbrook angling. Patches of Glyceria maxima, Phragmites australis millpond and stream in Suffolk is accepted as the type and Sparganium erectum are sparsely distributed around locality for both. the margins. The substrate is mostly mud, dead The following is taken from Killeen (1992): The Rev. Revett vegetation and detritus. There was little evidence of other Sheppard (1778-1830) made the first major contribution to aquatic macrophytes at the time of the visit. Subsequent the knowledge of the mollusc fauna of Suffolk. He was to my visit some parts of the pond were dredged (Adrian born at Campsey Ash, and was educated at Ipswich and Chalkley pers comm.). Cambridge before ordination as a priest in 1805. He was Bithynia leachii was found to be extremely common and curate of Wrabness, Essex (where he died), perpetual although the most of the specimens appeared to be adult, curate of Willisham (1809-30), and Rector of Thwaite the shell height was rarely more than 5mm. Many of the (1825-30). There are no clues as to the origin of Sheppard’s shells were corroded and pitted. Pisidium henslowanum interest in molluscs, although it may well have been was also present but in very low numbers (Kerney 1971 stimulated by the Rev. William Kirby (1759-1851), the recorded it in ‘fair numbers’). famous entomologist and naturalist and Rector of Barham, whom Sheppard held as a revered friend. Sheppard The other molluscs found were much the same as published two works on molluscs in the Transactions of the recorded by Kerney and by myself in the 1980s with the Linnean Society. The first was on ‘British Species of Mytilus’ exception of Radix auricularia and unionid mussels which (Sheppard, 1822), in which he described forms of Anodonta were not searched for (although they were subsequently living at Barham and Campsey Ash. The second recorded by Adrian Chalkley from dredge spoil). The (Sheppard, 1823) gives a catalogue of seventy species, fauna included Pisidium hibernicum which is uncommon in thirty- six of which are described in detail in Latin along the county but is particularly unusual in ponds (in with habitat and locality data. Sheppard’s collection was Suffolk). However, on this occasion an additional species, purchased by Philip Brookes Mason of Burton-on-Trent. the limpet Ferrissia wautieri (= Ferrissia clessiniana) was This now forms part of the A. S. Kennard collection, which recorded. is housed in the British Museum (Natural History). Ferrissia wautieri was previously unknown in Suffolk but I However, the type material of Bithynia leachii and Pisidium was subsequently contacted by Adrain Chalkely, one of henslowanum is no longer present (M. P. Kerney pers. the county’s recorders, who sent me photographs of comm.).

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Ferrissia collected from a farm pond at Elmsett (c. 13km on his Suffolk records and also for going to Holbrook and west of Holbrook) in 2006. Adrian also recorded the taking the photographs for me (after I had managed to species from four ponds at Center Parcs Holiday village at lose mine from the computer!). Elvedon, in the north-west of the county in late 2007. I References had carried out surveys there in the 1980s and Adrian has Kerney, M.P., 1971. The type locality of Pisidium henslowanum (Sheppard). Conchologists’ Newsletter 36: 198-199. also been surveying there for a number of years. Thus Killeen, I.J., 1992. The land and freshwater molluscs of Suffolk. Suffolk Ferrissia is clearly a recent arrival at these sites rather than Naturalists' Society, Ipswich. having gone un-noticed. This suggests that recorders Sheppard, R., 1822. On two new British species of Mytilus. Transactions should continue to look out for this species along with of the Linnean Society of London 13: 83-87. others that may go overlooked. A good example is the Sheppard, R., 1823. Descriptions of seven new British land and 2 planorbid dilatatus which I have seen specimens freshwater shells, with observations on many other species, including a of from 3 southern England locations over the last 2 years. list of such as have been found in the county of Suffolk. Transactions of the Linnean Society of London 14: 148-170. I thank Adrian Chalkley for kindly providing information Photo captions: Holbrook Millpond and Mill (photos Adrian Chalkely) 3

Picture captions List of live species Report of the Conchological Society field A complete list may be found on the Conchological Society website. 1 Acteon tornatilis and 1 worm tubes, Rhossili L = Live, S = Shell; Abundance: C = Common (100 – 1000), meeting to Rhosilli, Gower, Glamorgan Bay F = Frequent (10 – 100). O = Occasional (2-10), R = Rare (1 only)

Location Rhossili Bay Rhossili Cliffs & Oxwich Bay 2 plumula from 15 - 17th June, 2007 Celia Pain Worms Head Worms Head Date 15.6.07 15-16.6.07 17.6.07

Thirteen members and friends met at On Saturday 16th June we met at field meeting, but several of us 3 Rhosilli Bay with field CHITONS Rhosilli at 10.00am on Friday 15th 10.00 again. Present were Ron gathered at Oxwich Bay to see what meeting members Lepidochitona cinerea SO LR Acanthochitona fascicularis LR June. Present were Ron Boyce, Boyce, Tom Clifton, Rosemary Hill, we could find. Ron Boyce, Rosemary 4 Sheltered side of GASTROPODS Rosemary Hill, Rupert Honnor, Jan Rupert Honnor, Jan and Nick Light, Hill, John Llewellyn-Jones, Celia Pain, Diodora graeca SF LR Worms Head Patella vulgata SO LC LC and Nick Light, John Llewellyn-Jones, John Llewellyn-Jones, Celia Pain, Bill Bill and Carol Pocock and Janet Helcion pellucidum LO Celia Pain, Bill and Carol Pocock, and Carol Pocock, James and Caitlin Sawyer braved the driving rain. By 5 Rhosilli Bay tide line Osilinus lineatus SO LF LO James and Caitlin Potter, Janet Potter and Janet Sawyer. Sadly Mr the time we had walked to the Three cineraria SF LC Gibbula magus SR LF Sawyer, and Raymond Walker. After Raymond Walker from Swansea was Cliffs end of Oxwich Bay the sun had Gibbula umbilicalis SO LO introductions and the Health and not able to join us. After the Health come out and we were too hot! Some Calliostoma zizyphinum SR LC Lacuna pallidula LO SO Safety briefing we walked down to and Safety briefing we walked down of us looked in the caves, hoping to Littorina obtusata agg LC Rhosilli Bay by the cliff path. The the path towards the causeway. As find Otina ovata, but could not find Littorina saxatilis SO LF neritoides SR LC party split into two and the more the terrain was very rough we tended any. I did find one in the shell sand Rissoa parva SR LC LO vigorous walked the three miles along to work in small groups. Jan Light led from there. There were lots of sea Rissoa interrupta SR LC SF the beach to Burry Holms. The rest of a cave party of Tom Clifton and Bill potatoes on Onoba semistriata SR LO SO 4 Littorina obtusata agg LO us investigated the molluscs to be Pocock to the base of the promontory. the lower shore, we looked for Littorina saxatilis LO SO found under the cliffs towards Worms This yielded cave species: Tellimya ferruginosa on them but did Melarhaphe neritoides SR LO Rissoa parva LO SO Head. As promised there were live Melarhaphe neritoides Leucophytia not find any, however there were lots Crepidula fornicata LR SR SO Acteon tornatilis and their egg strings bidentata, Myosotella denticulata and in the shell sand. We noticed that Polinices pulchellus LO SR SO Nucella lapillus SO LC SO buried in the sand. About 4pm we Otina ovata, much to the delight of thick-lipped dog whelks Hinia Buccinum undatum LO LC made our way up to the National the finders! Bill took some shell sand incrassata were occurring in pairs, we Colus jeffreysianus SR SR LC Hinia incrassata SO LO Trust Gower HQ and shop to the from the cave and looked through it at found that they were inhabited by Hinia reticulata SO SR LO schoolroom where Rupert set up his home, he was very pleased to find hermit crabs. There was always a Brachystomia scalaris LO LR lactea SR SR microscope. We looked at what littorina. In future we shall large and a small one together, we Turbonilla acuta SO people had found and listed them. have to find where this species is surmise that they were mating! Cephalaspids Many people have samples to living at Rhossili. Nick Light made it to Acteon tornatilis LC A man on the Rhossili beach told us Berthella plumula LO SO process at home. We had a very the end of The Worm and back. Nudibranchs that there had been commercial welcome tea on the terrace of the Probably the prize find was several Polycera quadrilineata LR dredging of razor shells, and certainly BIVALVES Worms Head Hotel, it has a showy yellow Berthella plumula found there did not seem to be so many Mytilus edulis SO LA LA stupendous view down Rhosilli Bay by Caitlin and John Potter and John Modiolarca tumida SR LR razors as there used to be, see also Ostrea edulis SR LR LR and Worms Head. We had an early Llewellyn Jones. Ron and Rosemary 5 Mullard,J., 2006. Gower. London, Pododesmus patelliformis LO SR meal in the Worms Head Hotel dining found Polycera quadrilineata. The NT Spisula solida LC SC SO Collins. New Naturalist Library, 13- room and sampled such delights as schoolroom was full of excited people Another threat to Gower biodiversity is the dredging of aggregate Spisula subtruncata LC SF 978-0-00-716066-2. Exactly what Angulus tenuis LF LF lava bread and cockle starters, fresh at 16.00 showing off their finds, and on the Helwick Bank that runs parallel to the south coast of Fabulina fabula SF LF effect this will have on populations of fish etc. Ben and Rhian Rowson from Tom Clifton demonstrating how he Gower. There is removal of the gravel to a depth of two metres, Donax vittatus LF SO molluscs and other marine animals Pharus legumen LF SF the National Museums and Galleries prepares shipwoms. Celia had trouble and the remaining sediments are smothered in the silt that has living in Carmarthen Bay remains to Chamelea gallina LF LF of Wales who were holidaying in the compiling a list! been removed from the gravel. A complete change of the bottom Tapes decussatus LF be seen. It does not look good. Hiatella arctica LO SF area joined us for the meal. Sunday was not an official part of the habitat may result.

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FIELD MEETING Archenhills and Mill Coppice, near Suckley, Worcestershire (GR SO709517) 13th October 2007 Rosemary Winnall

We gathered at the Talbot Inn at Knightwick and it was good to meet friends we had not seen for a while, and to make the 2 3 acquaintance of new ones! We commiserated with Harry Green who was by gall wasps Neuroterus albipes not well enough to attend and lead the and Neuroterus anthracinus in oak outing this time. We shared cars to drive leaves, and by flies Dasineura round to the interesting old and moated urticae in nettle and Phytomyza Suckley Court, from where we set off over glechomae in ground ivy (Glechoma the fields to the oak woodland, with kind hederacea). permission of the owner Mr. Edward Hollaway. A family of Ravens (Corvus corax) On the way back to the car we noted our arrival and watched our progress stopped at a pool in the corner of a from their look-out in the tall hedgerow field (see photo). Whilst Ellen was trees. dipping her net into the water, Rosemary H. spotted some late We gained the edge of the wood and soon hoverflies (Eristalis pertinax) on unearthed a number of different slugs, which ragwort and John found 3 mite galls provided discussion about the variation - Aculus tetanothrix on Salix alba, within the taxa and the care required to Eriophyes laevis on alder and check for juveniles. Limax maximus, Phytoptus avellanae on hazel. We Deroceras reticulatum, Tandonia disturbed a late Southern Hawker budapestensis, Lehmannia marginata, Arion (Aeshna cyanea) which skimmed ater agg., Arion intermedius, Arion slowly off across the water. The subfuscus were identified. We spotted Backswimmer Notonecta glauca evidence of recent pheasant feeding nearby 1 4 was recorded from the pond, and and we became concerned that many of the Radix balthica and woodland molluscs rolphii which we were able to compare with Pisidium nitidum were discovered in the brook, in spite of helveticus (see photo) were collected from poolside might have already been eaten by these rapacious birds! the former species. the light being very poor. We were delighted to find a plants. leech which was identified later by John as Glossiphonia A careful search around at the bottom of some trees and The lunch stop area proved less interesting for molluscs, complanata. We searched for and eventually found the As we wandered back over the fields after another on the mossy banks, produced the snails Cochlicopa cf. but we were pleased to discover that we were sitting next delicate Ancylus fluviatilis on one of the rocks in the interesting day in the countryside with friends, the Ravens lubrica, hammonis, Trochulus hispidus to a few Broad-leaved Helleborines (Epipactis helleborine)! stream bed. Some leaf litter was collected and the snails serenaded our departure and we started sharing (formerly Trichia hispida), crystallina (see photo), A few fungi were spotted too, including Pluteus salicinus Acanthinula aculeata, Carychium tridentatum and conchological plans for 2008! , , Oxychilus on sallow and the poisonous Inocybe geophylla var. Punctum pygmaeum were later identified by Rosemary helveticus, Cepaea nemoralis, pellucida (see lilacina which gave some colour to the winter woodland and Ron and added to the species list for this site. Group members were Ron Boyce, Rosemary Hill, Terry photo), and Euconulus fulvus during the morning. Then floor. Knight, David Long, John Meiklejohn, Ellen Pisolkar, someone shouted ‘Land Caddis’, and we stopped to We climbed back up the slope to search around the base Richard Watson and Rosemary Winnall. admire the recently vacated tube made meticulously of The afternoon amble began with one of us flushing a of some veteran oak trees where eventually we located sandy grains. (Enoicyla pusilla, the Land Caddis, is a Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) which provided another pura which we were able to compare with A. captions: 1. Oxychilus helveticus. 2. David Long sieving Worcestershire trichopteran speciality). The ash trees near record for the wood. Cepaea hortensis and Arion distinctus nitidula (see photo of David sieving leaf litter near here). leaf litter, Suckley. 3. Group members, Suckley. here were bespeckled with many resting Clausilia were added to the list before we slithered down a steep We returned through the outgrown hawthorn scrub 4. Oxychilus helveticus. bidentata, as well as the occasional Merdigera obscura bank into a stream valley which we thought might yield a passing badger latrines on the way. We were interested (formerly Ena obscura). David usefully discovered a single few more species. Potomopyrgus antipodarum and to discover a range of plant galls including those caused

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called upon to portray the zonitoid “glass snails” is J. Davy Dean’s somehow appropriate.

All of the then-recognised British and Irish zonitoid taxa Portrait of the are illustrated, mainly from specimens from northern England where Dean grew up before moving to Cardiff in Zonitidae 1915. At least some of the specimens remain vouchered as shells in his collection. The paintings are so accurate that they are ideal for identifying those species that are Ben Rowson arguably more distinctive alive than as shells. For instance, the black of Oxychilus helveticus, the I recently had to identify some Oxychilus from South glossy shell of O. cellarius, and the orange mantle spot of Wales, a job made considerably easier thanks to the work nitidus are clearly visible. As the original of Mr. J. Davy Dean (1876-1937). Dean (“Davy” seems to Monograph volume is a rare and expensive book, of the have been his preferred first name) was a member of sort that should never be exposed to the same habitats as CSGBI for forty years, and served as Assistant Keeper at living snails, I thought it would be worth giving the pictures the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff for nearly twenty. a second, and hopefully wider, distribution. His large collection of molluscs was just one of his legacies to the Museum, where his elegant, characterful All the paintings are larger than actual size, with the printed handwriting adorns many labels and registers in original plate in the Monograph measuring 191 x 121mm. I the Mollusca and Entomology collections and his diorama hope Dean would forgive me for enlarging it again here, artwork was once featured prominently in the galleries. which makes the text and some of the details easier to see, and removing the margins. The various enlargement Dean’s land-snail collection, much of which is from South factors (x3, x8 etc.) are now inaccurate, but I have digitally Wales, is invaluable for identification purposes when it copied each species to show it at approximately actual comes to tricky groups like zonitoid snails. He seems to size on the right. Otherwise it is a faithful reproduction. have taken great pains to clean, identify and arrange the The sizes given in millimetres are shell widths from finest live-caught specimens. He was also interested in the Cameron’s Keys… (2003) and/or Kerney & Cameron’s biology of the living animals. This is clear from the Field Guide… (1979). The names are updated to meet paintings of zonitoids he made for J. W. Taylor’s famous Anderson’s Checklist… (2005) using the synonymies given Monograph of the Land and Freshwater Mollusca of the in Kerney & Cameron (see following table). Please be British Isles (1894-1921), grouped together in a plate that warned, however: not all of these snails can be identified Taylor rightly referred to as “exquisite”. The plate appears on living appearance alone. Cameron’s keys are as Plate II in Monograph… vol. 3, facing p.16, so its recommended for further assistance on dealing with the publication date would be about 1915. Although almost all shells. the other illustrations in the Monograph are by Taylor himself, he seems to have sought Dean’s artistic advice on A few comments on the taxa are warranted. Although the other occasions (Monograph vol. 3, p.vi). That Dean, who plate shows the familiar “Zonitidae” of recent memory, the in a previous profession was a designer of stained glass taxa now represent five different families, with the (see his Obituary, 1937, J. Conch. 20: 338-339) should be Zonitidae sensu stricto no longer recognised in the British

No. Taylor/Dean name Current name Family 1 Vitrina hibernica Taylor Semlimax pyrenaicus (Férussac, 1821) 2 Vitrina pellucida Müll. Vitrina pellucida (Müller, 1774) Vitrinidae 3 Hyalinia lucida Drap. (Beck, 1837) 4 Hyalinia radiatula Alder (Ström, 1765) Oxychilidae 5 Hyalinia cellaria Müll. (inc. var. compacta Jeff.) (Müller, 1774) Oxychilidae 6 Hyalinia helvetica Blum helveticus (Blum, 1881) Oxychilidae 7 Hyalinia nitidula Drap. (Draparnaud, 1805) Oxychilidae 8 Hyalinia alliaria Miller Oxychilus alliarius (Miller, 1822) Oxychilidae 9 Hyalinia pura Alder (Alder, 1830) Oxychilidae 10 Bean (sic) Zonitoides excavatus (Alder, 1830) 11 Hyalinia crystallina Müll. Vitrea sp. 12 Hyalinia fulva Müll. Euconulus sp. 13 Müll. Zonitoides nitidus (Müller, 1774) Gastrodontidae 14 Vitrina major Fér. (Boycott, 1927) major (Férussac, 1807) Vitrinidae

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Isles. The species and Euconulus fulvus body colour, as do many of the O. cellarius in his have been split in western Europe and close examination collection, But Dean’s Glamorgan County History entry of shells is required. Absent from the plate is gives other evidence of Taylor’s influence. On p.393, he FIELD MEETING Phenacolimax major, which was unrecognised in Britain at says: the time. Dean later painted this species for A. E. Boycott’s Pease Dean, Berwickshire Non-marine molluscs, Pease Dean, Berwickshire, 9 September 2007 paper on P. major, although it appears only in black and “All European snails fall principally into two groups, Celtic SWT Reserve Outside reserve Carychium minimum 50+ — New 10 km square* white (1927, Proc. Malac. Soc. 17: 141-148). I have and Teutonic. The Celtic species are the more primitive 9th September 2007 Carychium tridentatum 50+ — New 10 km square* included Dean’s painting as no. 14, but some good colour snails which have been gradually driven westward before Galba truncatula 3— Ancylus fluviatilis — 1 (at ford) photographs of P. major have appeared in previous issues the later-evolved more highly organised Teutonic races. Oxyloma elegans 4+ — Adrian T. Sumner Cochlicopa lubrica Several — of Mollusc World (e.g. no. 14, July 2007). Apart from these there is a Lusitanian or south-western Cochlicopa lubricella 1 — New 10 km square* species, Geomalacus maculosus, confined in the British edentula 30+ — New 10 km square* Pease Dean is a deep wooded valley (Fig. 1) on the coast Leiostyla anglica 10+ — New 10 km square* While working in Cardiff, Dean wrote several papers on Isles to the south-west of Ireland, while a small number of Lauria cylindracea 5+ 1 in the north-east corner of Berwickshire (Grid reference NT the land-snails of South Wales. Reading through these it species are circumpolar in their range. Welsh species are Acanthinula aculeata A few — 79/90), which includes some ancient woodland. It is a Merdigera obscura —1 seems that some zonitioid species (whose identity is pre-eminently Celtic. In Glamorgan we have a composite Punctum pygmaeum 2 — New 10 km square* Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) reserve, and SWT were Discus rotundatus Many Many confirmed by his collection) have changed in their fauna, largely Celtic, but with an admixture of Teutonic happy, indeed keen, for a party of conchologists to visit, as Arion ater —1 distribution and abundance, at least as far as my collecting species, some of which are not found in any other Welsh Arion rufus —1 not much seemed to be known about the slugs and snails Arion circumscriptus agg. 1— experience suggests. In 1923 (J. Conch. 17: 57-60) Dean County”. Arion distinctus 1 2 (by shore) at this site. Among other things, we had hopes of finding Arion intermedius A few — noted the “wonderful abundance” of O. draparnaudi and some rare ancient woodland species. Being within easy Vitrina pellucida A few — the “extraordinary scarcity” of O. cellarius on both sides of Being an admirer of Dean’s work I was a little dismayed to Vitrea crystallina Yes — reach of Edinburgh, our visit was a convenient sequel to Nesovitrea hammonis 1— the Bristol Channel. O. draparnaudi is indeed common in read this. There is no escaping the similarity to Taylor’s the indoor meeting held at the National Museums Scotland Aegopinella pura 12+ — Aegopinella nitidula 2— disturbed habitats (I used to watch it killing and eating own theories of “Dominance in Nature” – or “Pan- the previous day. Not everyone who attended the Oxychilus cellarius Several — Hygromia cinctella in my Cardiff garden) but O. cellarius Germanism” as it was summed up by two of his Edinburgh meeting was able to come to Pease Dean, but Oxychilus alliarius Several — pallens Several 1 New vice-county record* probably equally so. Thus O. cellarius can hardly be called contemporaries – from which Taylor drew explicitly racist some people came specially for the field meeting only, Limax maximus 4 1 adult scarce, although it it is usually outnumbered in the woods conclusions for humans and which found few adherents in Deroceras reticulatum Many Present from as far away as Glasgow, and even Ecuador (though Deroceras panormitanum Many — New 10 km square* of Glamorgan by a third species, the probably introduced his own lifetime (see Cameron, 1995, Archives of Natural the young lady in question was working in Edinburgh at the Euconulus fulvus Present — New 10 km square* Clausilia bidentata 1— O. n. helveticus, by a factor of about five to one. In 1928 History 22: 371-384). Unlike Taylor, Dean may not have time!). Candidula intersecta — by shore Dean wrote (Trans. Cardiff Naturalists’ Soc. 59: 59-75) that meant to imply any relationship with anthropology or To reach the Pease Dean reserve, you leave the car park granulata 15+ — New 10 km square* Perforatella subrufescens 1— O. n. helveticus was “probably common in the wooded ethnology, and the mention of Lusitanian and circumpolar by the Pease Bay caravan site, cross the lane, and then Trochulus hispidus 2— cross a small field before entering the wood. The field is Arianta arbustorum Several A few districts towards the Brecon border [of Glamorgan]” and elements in the fauna may be a concession to other, more Cepaea nemoralis Several Several cited just three other records. Unlike O. cellarius, O. n. pluralistic viewpoints. These simplistic divisions could outside the reserve, but nevertheless yielded our first Cepaea hortensis A few — aspersa — A few helveticus did not feature in Dean’s list of woodland fauna simply be made for the sake of brevity. However, his exciting finds. Here was a specimen of Merdigera obscura, Pisidium sp. 10 — in his section of the Glamorgan County History (1936, Vol. choice of words is so close to Taylor’s expositions which is rather sparsely distributed in Scotland, and the * Compared with M.P. Kerney, Atlas of the Land and Freshwater Molluscs of Britain and 1: 391-400) although it was still on his county list. elsewhere it seems Dean was not trying to set his views first of several specimens of , Ireland (Harley Books, 1999) Remarkably, O. n. helveticus seems to be absent from apart from those of his late friend (Taylor died in 1931). apparently a new vice-county record for Berwickshire. We Dean’s collection. By contrast, this species is common or Dean must have been convinced by Taylor’s evidence of were lucky to have Barry Colville with us, who was able to abundant in all the woodlands I have looked in around “higher organisation” of Teutonic species relative to the tell us about the original discovery of this species in Britain Cardiff, Taffs Well and the Vale of Glamorgan. This “primitive” Celtic ones. in 1972. A large plastic sheet lying on the ground here had suggests the population has been both growing and quite a few large slugs and snails under it, including Arion spreading since the 1930s. Whether this also related to his personal politics, as it did cf. rufus and Helix aspersa. in Taylor’s case, is not clear. Did Dean, I wonder, equate Once we had entered the wood, we found a moderate number of species, including more Boettgerilla pallens, and Should the spread of the central European O. n. helveticus “Celtic” with “Welsh” and “Teutonic” with “English” identities sieving leaf litter produced, among other things, a large have been noticed by Dean himself, it is highly likely he in everyday life? A general negativity about Welshness number of both species of Carychium. However, no would have mentioned it. He was clearly an advocate of among the British was common enough until recently, but characteristic ancient woodland species had been the biogeographical theories of his friend J. W. Taylor, as as an employee of the National Museum and a resident of discovered by lunchtime. After lunch we paid a short visit indicated by his Glamorgan County History piece. Here, Cardiff, Dean must have been sensitive to the issue. I like to Pease Bay (Fig. 2), just a few yards away, where Barry one or more “dominant” species was given for each type to think he was trying to be dispassionate and objective in hoped to find Pupilla muscorum. In this we were 1 2 of habitat (e.g. “ Dry Oak-Birch Woods without Ash”), dealing with the fauna (indeed he was right to suggest that unsuccessful, but we did find a few more species we followed by a list of associated species that judging by Glamorgan had many species not found elsewhere in hadn’t found in the wood, including Candidula intersecta, 35 were in the reserve. Dean’s introduction was supposed to be competitively Wales, regardless of the coincidence that it was also the which is essentially a coastal species in Scotland. On the Several species were apparently new to the area. This is inferior. Taylor’s Monograph… is full of such polarisations: most politically cosmopolitan county) and that he simply way back, we found the freshwater limpet Ancylus fluviatilis probably not the maximum number of species possible; of Hyalinia cellaria var. compacta (which appears among looked to Taylor’s work for background. How Taylor’s at the ford where the stream that runs through Pease Dean with more luck, and damper conditions, we might have Dean’s paintings) he says “its discontinuous northerly and theories would have accommodated more recent changes crosses the road before it reaches the sea. found two more ancient woodland species: Limax westerly distribution in this country stamp this as one of in the British land-snail fauna, with so many European, The rest of the afternoon was spent in a part of the Pease cinereoniger and Spermodea lamellata. There are the weaker races which will eventually be exterminated” Mediterranean and other species rapidly becoming Dean reserve that we hadn’t visited in the morning. Here, apparently no recent records for the latter in the whole of (vol. 3, p.37). Var. compacta is no longer conventionally widespread, we do not know. Thankfully, just as with Barry Colville collected a good lot of leaf litter, which Berwickshire, so Pease Dean would be well worth another recognised, but that its distribution indicated its Taylor, Dean’s careful collections and paintings have proved to be very rich when he analysed it later. There visit. competitive inferiority is biologically dubious. The O. outlasted the shifting viewpoints of his day, and remain were a large number of molluscs, including the ancient Figure 1. Pease Dean SWT reserve, Berwickshire cellarius I have seen in South Wales resemble var. both beautiful and useful. woodland species Leiostyla anglica and Perforatella Figure 2. Conchologists at work in Pease Bay, compacta in shell shape and, thanks to Dean’s pictures, subrufescens. Altogether, the day’s snailing produced no Berwickshire, 9th September 2007 less than 41 species, in spite of the dry weather; of these, 16 17 MW16 ART visual:MW16 ART 13/10/2009 12:32 Page 10

Molluscs in Roman art: the archeological sites of the Naples area, Peter Topley

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The archeological sites of the Naples area are well known through their high state of preservation associated with 6 their destruction in the eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. On a visit in October 2008 I was interested to see that there were ancient images of molluscs depicted in mosaics, sculpture and painting as well as examples of the decorative use of shells themselves. The use of molluscs by the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean has been 7 well documented and it is not my intention to detail these here; merely to illustrate some examples of their Amongst the wall paintings of the “Third” or Phoenician culture of the eastern part of the depiction. Pompei was the earliest site there to be “ornamental” style which was used until the first half of Mediterranean. So is there the possibility that the excavated (from the 18th century onwards) and many the 1st century A.D., are delicate depictions of insects (e.g. depictions of “Murex” (possibly Bolinus brandaris examples of mosaics and sculpture from this Roman town grasshoppers, butterflies) and also snails (photo 5) of a (Linnaeus, 1758)?) in the “Alexandrian” mosaics from are in the National Archeological Museum in Naples. similar type depicted in the Pompei sculptural Pompei are references to Alexander’s conquest of the 2 Monumental mosaics from the “House of the Faun” decorations. Phoenician city of Tyre in 332B.C.? Both Pompei and which have an “Alexandrian” theme include an Unlike Pompei, engulfed by ash falls, the town of Herculaneum were “port towns” which at the time had emblematic mosaic of Nilotic ducks with lotus flowers in Herculaneum on the opposite side of Vesuvius was buried access to the sea, however it appears that sculptors and their beaks above stylised scallop and “Murex” shells under 12 metres of hardened mud from the pyroclastic artists were also keen observers of non-marine life, (photo 1) and a mosaic of marine life with a depiction of a flow that engulfed the town. Whilst this has made including snails. In the two centuries preceding the A.D.79 lobster capturing an octopus (photo 2)! Near the temple excavations much more difficult, the state of preservation eruption of Vesuvius the depiction of molluscs in the of Vespasian is an example of very fine “nature carving” is thus greater and there are survivals of wood, including decoration of Roman houses and public buildings are (protected under a modern plastic cover which hampers a bed, a wooden screen and even examples of rope and indications of their importance in the culture of that time. visibility) that includes lifelike depictions of land snails fabric. In the “House of Neptune and Amphitrite” a References (photo 3) that may have been meant to depict one of the mosaic depicting the god and goddess is still bordered by Cappelli, R. Quick Guide: National Archeological Museum Helicid species still found in the area today, such as Cerastoderma shells, somewhat reminiscent of modern shell of Naples. Naples, 1999 Eobania vermiculata (Muller, 1774) or Marmorana grottos (photo 6). The floor of the central baths here is Jackson, J.W. Shells as Evidence of the Migrations of Early fuscolabiata (Rossmassler, 1842) (photo 4) both of which I decorated with marine life including squid and octopus Culture. University of Manchester Press, 1917 found on the walls of some of the buildings. (photo 7). Pinto-Guillaume, E.M. Molluscs from Regio V, Insula 1 at The “Villa Poppea” at Oplontis, a short distance from There is ample evidence from Pompei and other sites that Pompeii: a preliminary report. Archaeo Malac. Grp. Pompei near to the coast was unoccupied at the time of the Romans were keen consumers of marine molluscs. Newsletter 11 2007 3 the eruption and by all accounts at the time was in the Their shells have been found in excavations of food shops. process of being repaired and redecorated following one The ability to extract the purple dye produced by “Murex” of the earthquakes common in the area. The wall species gave birth to an industry which originated in the paintings here are exquisite and depict architectural designs as well as paintings of birds, masks and flowers.

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So what are we to make of these records? The Pulteney Pulteney, R. 1799. Catalogues of the birds, shells, and some of Early British records of Papillifera collection, presumably including the supposed P. papillaris, the more rare plants of Dorsetshire.From the new ... edition of was auctioned in London in November 1863 (Chalmers- Hutchins’s History of that county. London. papillaris (Müller, 1774) S. Peter Dance Hunt, 1976: 102). In any event, the specimen is no longer Ridout Sharpe, J. 2007. Papillifera papillaris (Müller, 1774) in among the Linnean Society’s collections. Similarly no Britain: a giant leap for a small snail. Mollusc World 14: 12-14. Turton, W. 1807. British fauna, containing a compendium of the specimens are available to authenticate Laskey’s Scottish zoology of the British Islands, &c. Vol. 1 [all published]. Swansea. I was delighted to learn that live examples of Papillifera in Scotland. ‘Mr. Forbes furnished Mr. Alder with the discovery. Pulteney’s record was dismissed as ‘spurious’ Turton, W. 1819. A conchological dictionary of the British papillaris had been discovered at House (Ridout following account of the introduction of this species into by Forbes and Hanley (1852: 124). Perhaps Laskey’s Islands. Illust. col. or plain. London. Sharpe, 2007). I was also a little saddened by the news. the Fauna. He says, “I have lately obtained a manuscript should be considered ‘spurious’ too. Nevertheless, this Turton, W. 1831. A manual of the land and fresh-water shells of Cliveden House is on the Buckinghamshire side of the copy of Laskey’s North British Testacea, written by himself, distinctive species does turn up in unexpected places the British Islands, &c. Illust. col. (10 unnumbered pls). London. River Thames. Maidenhead, situated on the opposite side which fully explains the history of the British Clausilia occasionally. We may never know if Cliveden House was Turton, W. (Ed. J. E. Gray) 1840. A manual of the land and of the river, in Berkshire, is the town where I was born and papillaris. He states, that it was found by him in Granton its first staging post in Britain, but climate change may help fresh-water shells of the British Islands, &c. Illust. col. (12 where, in 1950, I first took up the study of British non- Park, near Edinburgh, and that it was imported from to ensure that it will not be its last. numbered pls). London. marine molluscs. Many years ago, while still a abroad, in moss around the roots of some exotics.”’ Maidenhead resident, I visited Cliveden House. I regret (Turton, Ed. Gray, 1840: 15). The article referred to was References Captions: that I did not look for snails during that visit, the more so ‘An account of North British Testacea’, by James Laskey Chalmers-Hunt, J. M. Natural history auctions 1700-1972, &c. 1. Hand-coloured engravings, supposedly illustrating Turbo as I always associate that property with the name of Lord (1811). What appears to be the ‘manuscript copy’ seen by London. bidens Linnaeus (actually Papillifera papillaris) and its , Astor, for whom my father once worked, as a painter and Edward Forbes is preserved in the library of the Natural Laskey, J. 1811. Account of North British Testacea. Memoirs of from Maton and Rackett’s Descriptive Catalogue, 1807, decorator. Thus I missed the opportunity to go down in History Museum in London. It is actually a copy of the the Wernerian Society 1: 370-417, 1 pl. [Laskey’s annotated copy pl. 5, fig. 3. history as the first finder of an exotic addition to the British published article, with manuscript additions by Laskey. is paginated 1-49.] fauna, a distinctive snail living a stone’s throw from where Turbo bidens does not occur in the printed article, but is Maton, W. G. & Rackett, T. 1807. A descriptive catalogue of the 2. Hand-coloured engraving, supposedly illustrating Clausilia I lived. Instead, I must content myself with penning a short the subject of an additional manuscript note, transcribed British Testacea. Transactions of the Linnean Society of London bidens Linnaeus (actually Papillifera papillaris), from Turton’s Manual, 1831, fig. 56. note suggesting that Cliveden House may not have been herewith: 8: 17-250, 5 pls. Menez, A. 2007. Papillifera papillaris (Müller, 1774) in . its first British landfall. Mollusc World 13: 6-7. ‘This Shell was found in the A hand-coloured engraving of what appears to be this Cabinet of the late Dr. species occurs in A descriptive catalogue of the British Poultenay [sic] in poss[essio]n Testacea by William George Maton and Thomas Rackett of the Lin. Soc. and was nucleus is now widely recognized as a The characters for distinguishing S. (1807, pl. 5, fig. 3). An enlarged view of the crenulated considered as a very doubtful Notes distinct taxon and has been recorded corneum, S. nucleus and S. ovale are suture of the species supports the identification. The Shell in Brit. Collection In 1826 from several European countries, the shell shape and tumidity, pore associated text (pp 178-79), under the specific name I was fortunate in discovering on the position of S. ovale is less clear. It is density, thickness of the hinge plate, Turbo bidens Linnaeus, says ‘Noticed as English by Dr. this Shell in a plantation of Sir listed in the CLECOM checklist and size/shape of the cardinal teeth. Pulteney’ and highlights the distinctive character of the Alex[ande]r Hope at Lufness near Aberlady Sphaerium (Falkner et al. 2001) as occurring in The following table of characters is suture. The engraving illustrates a specimen once owned Scotland but with all my diligence for that year the UK but not Ireland. It is also listed based on descriptions given by by Richard Pulteney (1730-1801) whose collection was & 1827 & 1828 I found only 8 Specim[en]s corneum as occurring in other European Korniushin & Hackenberg 2000. countries. It is recognized in Germany then housed in the Linnean Society of London. Maton and alive, and 3 dead Tho[ugh] I offered a Sphaerium nucleus is very tumid, and has been recorded frequently in Rackett refer to a rare publication by Pulteney, who premium of 1s/ each only 2 was obtained. I group almost spherical with the point of the north of the country (Zettler & described the shell as having ‘the sutures prettily crenated’ am of Opinion still that [they] are of foreign greatest tumidity at the middle of the Glöer 2006), but the sparsity of any (Pulteney, 1799: 46). Pulteney, they say, ‘notes it as a growth and was imported here in Moss &c that Ian Killeen shell or towards the ventral margin. mention in the literature for other Dorsetshire shell; but there is reason to believe he was was around the roots of plants that was usually has its In the guide to the Freshwater Bivalves countries suggests that it is not deceived, and that the species is not of British growth, brought from France and other parts - J greatest tumidity near the umbo and of Britain & Ireland (Killeen, Aldridge widely recognized or accepted. since, notwithstanding a most diligent search, we have Laskey.’ S. ovale appears to be intermediate been unable to procure it.’ & Oliver 2004) we recognised The locality given here differs from that published by Gray Sphaerium nucleus (Studer, 1820) as Character S. corneum S. nucleus S. ovale In 1807, too, William Turton published a brief description and there is no obvious explanation for this, unless Forbes part of the fauna. At that time it had of Turbo bidens, based on the Pulteney shell (Turton, saw another manuscript version of the note. Fred been recorded only from Pevensey Shell Round or oval Round, sphaeroid. Oval, 9-12mm long 1807: 186). A dozen years later he published a more Woodward, who has long been interested in the life and Levels, the Lower Waveney valley to 12mm 7-9mm long detailed description of Turbo bidens, also based on the work of James Laskey, kindly supplied me with a copy of and Norfolk Broads. It was Umbone Fairly broad, Equal to or narrower Broader than corneum Pulteney shell (Turton, 1819: 224). Later still, in his well- the annotated Laskey article, in disk form, and pin-pointed subsequently recorded from Ireland prominent than corneum, or nucleus, known Manual, he added an illustration to his description the two localities. He told me that Granton Park lies on the (Moorkens 2005). hardly prominent hardly prominent of the species he now called Clausilia bidens, giving the coast to the west of Edinburgh and was once a stone I have continued to examine samples Hinge Narrow below the Fairly broad As for S. nucleus name Clausilia papillaris as a (Turton, 1831: 73- quarry, while Lufness near Aberlady, lies on the coast to of ‘Sphaerium corneum’ and have now umbone 74, fig. 56). Once again his description is based on the the east of Edinburgh. A plantation would seem to be a seen S. nucleus from several counties Cardinal c4 and c2 of similar c3 and c2 strongly As for S. nucleus Pulteney shell; the accompanying, hand-coloured figure is more likely place than a quarry to find specimens of a in Ireland, the Somerset Levels and teeth length, weakly curved curved, c4 short and and parallel. barely extending a passable representation of P. papillaris. snail imported, with plants, from another country, but at other Sussex and East Anglian this distance of time it hardly matters. It is enough to know beyond the centre locations in England. However, these of the c2 In 1840 John Edward Gray brought out a much-revised that P. papillaris may have been found many years ago on studies have raised the question of edition of Turton’s Manual in which he added the following the outskirts of Edinburgh. Pores Sparse and irregularly Dense and regularly As for S. nucleus whether we have Sphaerium ovale distributed distributed information about the supposed occurrence of the species (Férussac, 1807). Whilst Sphaerium

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between the 2. However, all (and associated with S. corneum, but examining some of my material and especially S. corneum) appear to be predominantly it will be the only useful discussion; to Volker variable. member of Sphaerium found”. Buddensiek for assistance with translating German text, and to Chris On some specimens the pores are All of the Sphaerium with dense pores Williams, Martin Willing and Martin very distinct and can be seen with a that I have examined from Ireland Drake for loaning additional material hand lens. With many specimens the and England are from lentic habitats, for examination. pores are not always easy to see, and swampy conditions in drainage it takes examination under a ditches except at one site, in a densely References microscope with high magnification vegetated lake margin. These tend to Falkner, G., Bank, R.A. & von Proschwitz, (>40x) and with very good lighting. be densely and richly vegetated T., 2001. Check-list of the non-marine Molluscan Species-group taxa of the states Even then it may be necessary to places, often with a diverse suite of of Northern, Atlantic and Central Euroipe manipulate the specimen into a good molluscs and other invertebrates, (CLECOM 1). Heldia 4(1/2): 1-76. angle to see the pores. including rare species such as Anisus Killeen, I.J., Aldridge, D.C. & Oliver, P.G., vorticulus or Segmentina nitida. The There appears to be habitat 2004. Freshwater bivalves of Britain and lentic conditions for S. nucleus partitioning between the species: Ireland. Field Studies Occasional indicated by Zettler & Glöer suggest a Publication 82. FSC Publications, Sphaerium corneum lives in a wide very poor quality habitat, however, Shrewsbury. 114pp. range of lotic (flowing) and lentic the somewhat better quality habitat Korniushin, A.V. & Hackenberg, E., 2000. (standing) habitats. According to given for S. ovale is lotic. In terms of Verwendung konchologischer und Zettler & Glöer, in north Germany S. shell shape and tumidity most Irish anatomischer Merkmale für die nucleus “lives predominantly in small, Bestimmung mitteleuropaischer Arten der and English specimens appear to temporary waters, like pools in the Familie (), mit neuem more closely resemble S. nucleus. woods or reeds. The animals can be Bestimmungsschlussel und Diagnosen. Peter Glöer has examined some of found there amongst aquatic Malakologische Abhandlungen 20: 45-72. this material and has recognised both vegetation or dead leaves; it can also Moorkens E. 2005. News from Ireland. nucleus and ovale. be found in moors, ditches and Mollusc World 7: 8-9. ponds; it has not been recorded from There are clearly problems with this Zettler, M.L. & Glöer, P., 2006. Zur the "shores" of large lakes or rivers, group of species and it is likely to Ökologie und Morphologie der but in swampy/boggy cut-off require molecular studies to resolve Sphaeriidae der Norddeutschen Tiefebene. Heldia 6(8): 1-61. meanders; the preferred substrate is their taxonomic position. In the mud over anaerobic substrate. S. meantime I would encourage Plate (page22) The accompanying page of illustrations nucleus is often associated with members to look more closely at shows a selection of Sphaerium from Pisidium globulare, also with P. Sphaerium specimens, particularly England and Ireland. The S. corneum are personatum and P. milium”. For S. ovale those from lentic habitats. I would be particularly tumid but they lack the dense they state it “prefers running waters pleased to examine material and offer pores (and when opened they had the like ditches and flumes, also in an opinion. typical narrow hinge plate). Also rivulets and rivers; specimens were illustrated are typical S. nucleus, densely I’m grateful to Jim Turner, National pored Sphaerium from Somerset Levels found in sludge/silt or varying Museum of Wales for imaging the and a site in Rocscommon, and S. ovale consistency, also in silty sands, fine specimens; to Peter Glöer for from Germany. and coarse sands. S. ovale may be Inventaire National du Patrimoine Naturel Ian Killeen

Olivier Gargominy of the Muséum in France and the INPN would be species and 747 species and sub- national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris very pleased to receive your records. species. Therefore, some has asked me to place this request in As much accompanying data as you determinations may need to take into Mollusc World for records of non- have should be sent with the records: account recent revisions of the fauna. marine molluscs from France. The date, site, habitat and so on. When I am happy to receive any records Inventaire National du Patrimoine giving Grid References be careful to and pass them on, or you can send Naturel (INPN) is collecting and state which system they are as them directly to: synthesising all data on the fauna and French IGN maps have several flora of France. There is an extremely different grid systems on them. There Olivier GARGOMINY, Muséum good website (http://inpn.mnhn.fr), are considerably more species of national d'Histoire naturelle, mostly in French but with some terrestrial molluscs than given in Département Ecologie et gestion de introductory sections in English. Kerney & Cameron (1979) and a la biodiversité, Service du Patrimoine large number of freshwater species. naturel, 61, rue Buffon, 75005 PARIS, Many of the Society’s members will The most recent checklist by Falkner, France have recorded and collected molluscs Ripken & Falkner (2002) lists 660

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are now under way to restock suitable A Note on the Currently Man and Molluscs: rivers from which pearl mussels have Known Status of the been lost. The next speaker, Gill Diversity and Commercial Andrew of the Scottish Association for Marine Science at Dunstaffnage, Lymnaea palustris (Müller, near Oban, told us about her studies Uses of Molluscs on the feeding habits of limpets, 1774) Complex in Britain Patella vulgata. Biofilms have been Adrian T. Sumner regarded as the most important food and Ireland source for limpets, but by using stable isotope tracers and examining gut Ron Carr available to bona fide contents, Gill has shown that investigators. Adrian seaweeds are an important The aquatic snail Lymnaea fusca (Pfeiffer 1821) was first Sumner (North component of their diet. Perhaps her recognised as a species distinct from L. palustris in Britain Berwick) was the next most convincing evidence was a by Carr and Killeen (2003), though its identity had been retained for fusca (Chadd, personal communication). speaker, who video of a limpet actually chewing summarised the status Laminaria established in central Europe almost half a century earlier There has been some contention by continental authors of non-marine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79 (Jackiewicz, 1959). (eg Falkner et al., 2001) that a third related taxon, L. corva molluscs in Scotland, RvGRUdnwE)! L. palustris was considered to be widespread in the British (Gmelin) occurs in the British Isles. This assumption has pointing out factors Isles and Ireland by Kerney (1999), typically occurring in been based on examination of shells contained within the such as climate and After a break for tea, Jessica Winder ditches choked with vegetation. This concept prevailed collection of the Natural History Museum, Kensington, but lack of lime that spoke about her studies on eating prior to the separation of the two taxa, recent has not been verified by dissection. Shells from a number restrict the number of oysters in Britain. Over the centuries, investigations having revealed that L. fusca is by far the of locations including Maidenhead, Suffolk and Wicken species in Scotland. people have used oysters as food to more widely distributed species, with L. palustris occurring Fen labelled “L. palustris var. corvus” present within the Nevertheless, many different extents, and it was mostly to the east of mainland Britain and not so far museum collection can be attributed to either palustris or species are increasing interesting see how studies of recorded from Ireland (Anderson, 2005). fusca on the basis of shell size and general morphology. their ranges in discarded oyster shells in middens More convincing is a series of larger shells collected by L Since the separation of the two British species, provision Scotland. Dan Harries and elsewhere could yield so much E Adams in 1881 from Coggeshall, Essex, which are of additional distributional data for either species has This all-day meeting, held on 8th and Colin Trigg (Heriot-Watt information about our ancestors contained within the collection of F W Taylor. An account attracted little interest from recorders. Recently published September 2007, was a new venture University, Edinburgh) concluded the dietary habits. Of course, oysters are of their discovery is provided by Adams in The Collectors records often still refer to “L. palustris agg”, the few for the Conchological Society, as it morning session with a talk on now regarded as a luxury food, but in Manual of Land and Freshwater Shells: “I came across a specimens supplied for anatomical examination have was a joint meeting with the National “Scottish reef building molluscs”. the past they were often a cheap pond in Essex full of nothing but the variety corva, some of being mainly submitted by non-malacologists. Museums Scotland (NMS), who Modiolus modiolus and Mytilus edulis staple of people’s diet. Humans have which measured an inch in altitude”. The shells indeed provided the premises and whose both form dense beds on the sea floor, not used molluscs simply as food, of During preparation of the 2003 paper, specimens from a resemble those of corva that are to be found within staff, in particular Claire Pannell, did while Limaria hians builds nests by course. From early prehistoric times number of Kent locations had been examined, though true permanent ditches in the Netherlands, though until locally a large amount of the organisation of binding shell fragments and pebbles shells have been used as ornaments, palustris had not been encountered within the county. collected specimens can be obtained for anatomical the meeting. A number of speakers together with their byssal threads. and Chantal Knowles (NMS) Subsequent visits to the Romney Marsh area of Kent and verification, the extant status of the species in Britain gave talks on the general theme of The speakers discussed the concluded the afternoon by East Sussex undertaken during May 2005 did however remains uncertain. Large specimens of the palustris interactions between molluscs and biodiversity associated with these describing some of the many ways in detect an abundant population of the species thriving in a complex may well repay dissection, particularly those humans, interpreted in its broadest sites, and the risks to these structures which they have been used, permanent, macrophyte-rich drain on grazing marsh collected from eastern England. sense. The meeting was held in the from human activities. particularly in Oceania. Thus known as the Dowels at map reference TQ 969300 References: Dunfermline Room of the Museum, concluded a stimulating day in which (Plate1). Additional specimens were also obtained from Anderson R. 2005. An Annotated List of the Non-Marine Mollusca of an intimate lecture theatre in the After an excellent buffet lunch, we heard about the great variety of two smaller, adjacent ditches. The species prevails in the Britain and Ireland Journal of Conchology 38 No 6: 607-637. modern extension which not only during which we were also able to ways in which molluscs and people East Anglian fens, where it similarly occurs in permanent Carr R. and Killeen I. J. 2003. The Cryptic Occurrence of Stagnicola stimulated a lot of discussion, but examine the various exhibits which interact, and about ongoing research drains on grazing marsh containing a rich macrophyte flora fuscus (: LYMNAEIDAE) in the British Isles Journal of also had a suitable circulating space people had brought, the afternoon in the field. As well as thanking the including Water Soldier Stratiotes aloides L., though Conchology 3 No.1: 67-71. outside for refreshments, posters and session was opened by Peter speakers, we should also thank the occasionally also in temporary shallow ditches supporting Chadd R. and Extence C. 2004. The conservation of freshwater macroinvertebrate populations: a community based classification scheme demonstrations. Cosgrove (Granton-on-Spey). Peter is audience, who contributed materially only Common Reed Phragmites communis Trin. Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 14: 597-624. an authority on the freshwater pearl to the success of the meeting with On the basis of the available information, L. palustris may Falkner G., Bank R.A. & Von Proschwitz T. 2001. Checklist of the non- The meeting was opened and chaired mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, their contributions during informal well be a useful indicator species for the assessment of marine Molluscan Species-group taxa of the States of Northern, Atlantic throughout by Julia Nunn which he regards as one of the most discussions. We hope to hold a and Central Europe (CLECOM 1) Heldia 4: 1-76. good quality aquatic environments, whereas L. fusca (Conchological Society President), charismatic animals in Scotland. After similar meeting in the future. appears tolerant of agricultural pollution. The community Jackiewicz M. 1959. Badania nad Zmiennoscia I Stanowskiem who introduced Claire Pannell (NMS) a long period of decline, brought on systematycznym Galba palustris O. F. Müll. Pozna_skie Towarzystwo based classification scheme introduced by Chadd and Pryzykaciól Nauk Wydzial Matematyczno- as the first speaker. She told us of the by pollution and particularly by pearl Extence (2004) designates a conservation score of 2 to Przyrodniczy Prace Komisji Biologicznej 19 (3) 89-187. importance of the Museum collections fishing (now illegal), it is felt that the Photo caption:. Man and Molluscs “Lymnaea palustris”, though this classification obviously Kerney M.P. 1999. Atlas of the Land and Freshwater Molluscs of Britain for the purposes of scientific study, situation may have been stabilised. meeting: delegates in discussion relates to the previous concept of a single, widespread and Ireland Harley Books, Chichester. 261 pp. and showed us several examples from Landowners are now very protective during the refreshment break species. A revised score of 5 would thus seem more Taylor, F.W. 1896. The Collectors Manual of Land and Freshwater Shells the collections, which are, of course of “their” mussels, and programmes appropriate for true palustris, with a score of 2 being Taylor Bros, Leeds. 209 pp ix plates.

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BOOK REVIEW Diary of Meetings - Conchological Society Programme Secretary: Ron Boyce, 447c Wokingham Road, Earley, Reading, Berkshire RG6 7EL

IMPORTANT: Please footpaths through woodland the 09:45h from Lymington to Maps: 1:50000 Landranger Amy Lucas did most of the illustrations in the book, which remember to inform the leader and visit other nearby habitats Yarmouth. Anyone interested sheet 120, 1:25000 Explorer are as charming as the text. if you are attending a field taking care not to stray into in getting a lift should contact sheet 279. You can find out more about the book and the author by meeting. If you are held up in Gloucestershire! Bring a Mike Weideli (01635 42190) After the field work there will visiting the website, www.madaboutsnailbooks.com as traffic or your public transport packed lunch and suitable (home), . be a tea and discussion well as sixty-six slithering facts about snails. The sequel, is delayed, it may be possible outdoor clothing. Arrangements will depend on meeting in the restaurant area ‘Snails Don’t Burp’, is due out in 2008. to ring the Programme individual circumstances, but it (otherwise closed) of the Secretary on 0794 109 4395 YCS – Saturday 5 April should be possible to offer Parish Oven public house by on the day of the meeting for Coxwold. some places in cars which will kind permission of the owners, information on the location of Contact: David Lindley be travelling on this ferry. between the times of 1630 to A letter from the author the field site being surveyed. (0113 2697047) (home), Return will be on the 17:30 1730h. We are not being david.lindley3@btinternet. ferry from Yarmouth to of Snail Trail Indoor meetings at the Natural charged for the use of the com Lymington, cost will be about History Museum will take room but use is conditional on £12.00 per person. place in the Dorothea Bate Meet at 10:30h in the car park our taking advantage of the The Promotion of Molluscs Room [Palaeontology at Coxwold, grid ref. SE The leader will be Dr. Leslie bar facilities which will be Demonstration Room] at the 536773, for 1-km recording in James of the University of open. Tea and coffee will be I am looking to promote molluscs to a younger community and end of Gallery 30. Please note SE57 and SE67. Reading. This is primarily a available. write to seek help from Members of the Conchological Society of the earlier start times, and also trip to look at the Geology, but Snail Trail Great Britain and Ireland. I have written five children's fiction the long indoor meeting in NHM – Saturday 12 April there will be the opportunity to FIELD – Saturday October with an early start 14:00h in the Dorothea Bate collect at some sites. 28 June 2008: books all based around a pet African called Old time of 11:00h. Please bring Room [Palaeontology Fens Pools, Brierley Hill, West McSlithers, with whom my children have grown up. The first of by Sarah Lucas plenty of exhibits and Demonstration Room], FIELD – Saturday Midlands. Freshwater meeting. these books, Snail Trail was published in November last year and demonstration material. preceded by Council meeting. 17 May 2008: Leader: Ellen Pisolkar (0121 Book review by Jane Bonney has been very successful (please see the book review in this Thorpe Salvin, South 444 0819) (home) The Programme Secretary will newsletter). The second book, Snails Don't Burp! is due out on Annual General Meeting Yorkshire. Joint meeting with be happy to receive any offers Meet at 10:30h in the car park Mad about snail books 2007 Price £5.99 April 26th. Whilst the books contain some elements of pure Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union. to lead field meetings or Presidential Address by Dr adjacent to the Warden’s office fantasy, I have aimed to get my facts on African Land Snails as Leader: Bob Marsh. (0750 706 suggestions for speakers for Julia Nunn on the subject of at the Dell Stadium, Bryce accurate as possible to ensure that children learn something new 3705) (mobile) Strange things are afoot in the village of Newton. indoor meetings. ‘Mapping marine Mollusca in Road, Pensnett, grid ref. SO whilst enjoying a good read (Jane Bonney, former Hon. Gen. [email protected] Mysteriously overnight every house that hasn’t already Ireland’. 911881. For those wishing to Secretary of the Society has already been of tremendous help This meeting is to survey the travel by public transport, bus got them has a delivery of two giant African snails in a Key to meetings: Abstract here). Chesterfield Canal area on 139 leaves stop AE in little fish tank with a small bag of peat, a stick of NHM = Natural History Since 1992 a project has been Museum, London, Saturday 17 May 2008. Meet Colmore Row, Birmingham, cucumber and a letter with instructions on how to keep The purpose of this letter is to extend an open invitation to any underway to map the marine indoor meeting in the car park of the Parish next to St Philip’s cathedral, at them, all wrapped up in a cream bag with a pink bow on member of the Society who might be prepared to read through molluscs of the island of FIELD = Field Meeting at Oven public house,Thorpe 09:08, reaching Merry Hill bus Ireland. This talk will update top! Nine year old Amy, who already has pet snails, and the second book, Snails Don't Burp!, to check for accuracy of outdoor location Salvin, near Worksop, grid ref. station at 10:09. Bus 236A progress since my her friend Charlie, both detectives in the making, set out snail facts, particularly the details relating to the poisoning of a WKSHP = Workshop on SK 522810, at 10.30h. Thorpe leaves Merry Hill at 10:21 and Molluscan topic presentation on this topic to to try and find out who sent the snails, and why. The girls snail by pyrite, or Fool's Gold and Pryce Buckle, Honorary Salvin is signposted at South arrives at Bryce Road at YCS = Yorkshire Conch. the Society at the meeting in go hunting snails on Zig-Zag Common where they find a Treasurer of the Society, has already given me some good Anston on the A57 Sheffield/ 10:30. Soc. events Cardiff in 2002. The results big surprise. They coerce Jack from their school class into pointers here. If you are a Member of the Society and are reading Worksop road. Take the from the project will be Please contact the Leader for helping but this causes even more trouble when he goes this letter with some interest, then please do visit my website for B6059 to Kiveton Park, thence FIELD – Saturday 5 April discussed and recent information on car travel to to Thorpe Salvin via minor missing. Finally of course the secret is discovered but not further background information - Broadway Hill, interesting records described. this site. roads. The meeting place is in before the plot has taken plenty of twists and turns. www.madaboutsnailbooks.com. You should bear in mind that Worcestershire/Gloucestershir The checklist, distribution atlas the centre of the village. Bring sandwiches, wellingtons although the heroines Amy and Charlie are nine years old, the e border. and bibliography will now be This delightful book, written as a result of some of the Parking for the Canal or stout footwear and water books are suitable for reading by 7-11 year olds and for bed-time Leader: Harry Green made available through a web events happening in real life to the author and her anywhere else in the area is sampling equipment. reading to 5-7 year olds, depending on academic progress. In fact (01386 710377) (home), site, hosted by the Ulster daughter Amy, will appeal to children of all ages, from 9 difficult. The Canal is most these books were written to be read aloud and do make fun harrygreen_worcs@yahoo. Museum. easily reached via local public FIELD – Saturday to 90. There are some nice descriptive passages such as the co.uk reading in schools. I am visiting schools to promote my books footpaths. We will visit some of 5 July 2008 chapter about Zig-Zag Common: ‘the smells are the smells A field meeting in search of FIELD – Sunday and African Land Snails, so any help your members can give me the local woodlands including Hunstanton, Norfolk. of the soil – rich and damp – of the blushing blackberries terrestrial molluscs on the 20 April 2008 would be gratefully received. Hawks Wood and Old Spring Marine meeting. in autumn and of freshly-fallen snow in winter-time’, and Cotswold escarpment above Isle of Wight. Fossil meeting. Wood. We have also been Leaders: Celia Pain and John Amy gives an informative lesson on how to keep African Broadway. Meet at 10:30h in Joint meeting with Newbury granted permission to visit the Llewellyn-Jones Land Snails in her class show and tell at a level the car park and picnic site at Geology Society. Yours sincerely, privately owned Broad Wood. Contact: Celia Pain (01634 the top of Fish Hill, SP appropriate for the average nine year old. Towards the Leader: Leslie James We will also investigate the 261147) (home), (07795 120369. This is situated on the end of the book the girls make a discovery which puts the fauna and flora of the Canal 966963) (mobile), C. Pain N. side of the A44 just after Meet at 10:30h in the ferry story firmly in the realm of fiction, but nonetheless the Sarah Lucas towpath and Pennyholme Broadway. We shall follow (SZ 353984). The ferry will be

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