A new species of Austrocypraea (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Cypraeidae) from the Pliocene of Flinders Island, Tasmania

Abstract

A new morphologically distinct species of cowry (family Cypraeidae Rafinesque, 1815) is described from the Pliocene of Flinders Island, Tasmania. Austrocypraea jimgracei sp. nov. differs morphologically from other members of the genus and is particularly characterised by the development of a heavily callused labral margin, with a distinct marginal edge that bends up towards the dorsum centrally. This feature is unique within the genus. The new taxon is only the second known Austrocypraea from the Pliocene. A revised key to the known Austrocypraea fossil species is presented.