330 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM Vol.80 



ANNULARIA (TROSCHELVINDEX) CANDEANA (Orbigny) 



Shell cylindro-conic, varying from flesh color to pale brown in 

 ground color, marked with interrupted spiral bands of brown, which 

 vary materially in strength. The elements composing these bands are 

 also arranged in axial series, so that not infrequently the axial dispo- 

 sition of the color bands is more pronounced than the spiral. Peri- 

 stome rayed. Nuclear whorls 2, inflated, strongly rounded, micro- 

 scopically granulose, except for the last portion of the last turn, 

 which shows the beginning of the postnuclear sculpture. The post- 

 nuclear whorls are well rounded, marked by retractively curved axial 

 riblets, which vary considerably in strength and spacing. These 

 riblets may form slender hollow cusps at the summit or 2 or 3 of 

 them may be gathered to form a stronger tuft. The spiral sculpture 

 consists of threads equaling the riblets in strength, and the combina- 

 tion of the two gives to the shell a screenlike pattern. The junctions 

 of the axial ribs and the spiral threads form scarcely perceptible 

 nodules. Suture well constricted. Periphery well rounded. Base 

 short, well rounded, openly umbilicated, marked by the continuation 

 of the axial ribs and by spiral threads equaling those on the spire, 

 wliich continue the same type of pattern characterizing the spire. 

 The last whorl is usually solute, though at times the outer peristome 

 touches the preceding whorl. Aperture broadly oval; peristome 

 double, the inner very strongly exserted and reflected; the outer 

 expanded, of about the same width on the outer, basal, and inner lip, 

 but narrower on the parietal wall. The inner lip is fluted and crenu- 

 lated at the edge, while at the posterior angle the outer peristome 

 forms a moderately strong auricle. Operculum typically annidarid. 



This species is a rather common Cuban shell. It ranges from the 

 eastern end of Pinar del Rio Province east to Santa Clara. Through- 

 out its range it maintains a rather constant expression. It is only in 

 the extreme eastern part of the range that we have suflBcient differ- 

 entiation to merit a subspecific designation. 



Tliis species has been responsible for considerable controversy. 

 First of all came the question as to whether or not candeana and 

 illustris are synonymous; then the presence of the extra rachidian 

 denticle on the radula raised a doubt as to whether the American 

 species should constitute a distinct family from the European; we 

 tliink they should. The characters differentiating the two races 

 which we now recognize are set forth in the key and descriptions 

 that follow: 



KEY TO THE SUBSPECIES OF ANNULARIA (TROSCHELVINDEX) CANDEANA 



Denticles at summit very strongly developed f allax 



Denticles at summit less strongly developed candeana 



