Voluta ebraea Linné, 1758

Simone, Luiz Ricardo L., 2024, New species, misidentifications and problematic taxonomy of some Atlantic South American marine mollusks: a review, Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia 64, pp. 1-104 : 25-26

Voluta ebraea Linné, 1758

( Fig. 15 )

Voluta ebraea Linné, 1758: 733 .

Voluta thevenini Cossignani & Allary, 2024: 24-26 ; Crabos, 2024: 37-38 (fig. 1), new synonym.

Type localities: In O[ceano] Asiatico. Voluta thevenini : Parigi, Camocim, Ceará, Brazil.

Remarks: Voluta ebraea is a distinctive Brazilian species endemic to the Northeastern coast. Its beautifully ornamented shell and large size make it a sought-after item for collections, decoration, and crafts. However, its popularity among collectors has contributed to its status as an endangered species, leading to protection measures in most coastal states where it is found.

The shell of V. ebraea exhibits considerable variation, particularly in the pigmentation mosaic, sculpture, presence and intensity of axial undulations, and the intensity of the shoulder. Some specimens display a rounded periphery (e.g., Fig. 15 G-H), while others have an almost carinate shape, bearing nearly regular spines ( Fig. 15 A-D) or prominent nodes ( Fig. 15J ). The spire can range from low ( Fig. 15C, D ). medium ( Fig. 15I, J ), high ( Fig. 15A, B , F-H), to very high ( Fig. 15E ). The outline varies from wide ( Fig. 15D, D, I, J ) up to narrow and elongated ( Fig. 15A, E, F ). The color mosaic can vary from faint ( Fig. 15D, H ) to dense ( Fig. 15J ), among other features.

While it is challenging to synonymize a recently described species like V. thevenini , it bears a clear resemblance to a variation of V. ebraea , as seen in Fig. 15 I-J. Interestingly, no specific variation model can be associated with a particular geographic region; rather, several morphological models coexist in the same area. This suggests that shell variation is more likely influenced by genetic factors rather than environmental ones. Consequently, V. ebraea cannot be subdivided into subspecies. However, thevenini can be considered a"form" ( Fig. 15 I-J), similar to how the shell in Fig. 15 C-D can be referred to as deltoidea, Fig. 15E as form elongata, Fig. 15 G-H as form glabra, and the remaining specimens ( Fig. 15 A-B, F) as form typica . These forms carry no taxonomic significance but are relevant in collecting circles. The synonymy of V. thevenini , suggested by Crabos (2024), is formalized herein.

Material examined: BRAZIL. Piauí; Luis Correia, off Delta do Parnaíba River , 02°48′13″S 41°36′38″W, MZSP 159923 , 1 shell (W. Vailant col., iv.2021) . Ceará; Fortaleza , 03°36′S 38°23′W, MZSP 61387 , 1 shell (o.t) ; Trairi, MundaÚ Beach , 03°10′56.45″S 39°22′40.22″W, MZSP 16320 , 1 shell (Tanimoto col., 26.vii.1965) ; AcaraÚ, 02°53′47″S 40°07′08″W, MZSP 16348 , 1 shell . Pernambuco; Itamaracá , 07°44′53.08″S 34°49′50.28″W, MZSP 51408 , 1 shell (Expedition ABC MZUSP. 06.v.1974) ; Goiana, Ponta de Pedras , 07°37′49.05″S 34°48′30.27″W, MZSP 35829 , 2 shells (Montouchet col., 30.viii.1970). Plus 98 MZSP lots not list- ed herein .

Figures

Figure 15. Voluta ebraea examples of shell variation in specimens from Piauí to Pernambuco (~700 km of Brazilian coast):(A-B) MZSP 61387 (L 134.2 mm), from Fortaleza, Ceará, frontal and dorsal views; (C-D) MZSP 51408 (L 120.2 mm), from Itamaracá, Pernambuco,frontal and dorsa views;(E) MZSP 16320 (L 167.8 mm), from Mundaú, Ceará, frontal view; (F) MZSP 16348 (L 144.9 mm), from Acaraú, Ceará, frontal view; (G-H) MZSP 35829 (L 118.5 mm), from Goiana, Pernambuco, frontal and dorsal views;(I-J) MZSP 159923 (L 181.4 mm),from Luis Correia,Piauí,frontal and dorsal views.