Notes on some Cenozoic Muricidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from New Zealand, with a review of the genus Poirieria Jousseaume, 1880

Abstract

Seven new species of Muricidae belonging to the genera and subgenera Murex, Pterochelus, Murexsul, Typhis, T. (Hirtotyphis) and T. (Rugotyphis) are described from the Cenozoic of New Zealand. Murex (s. str.) is recorded from New Zealand for the first time. Typhis (Hirtotyphis) aculeatus Vella is transferred to Typhis (s. str.) and Murexsul lividorupis Laws is removed from the Muricidae to the Coralliophilidae. In a review of the genus Poirieria Jousseaume, at least six New Zealand species are recognised, belonging to two distinct stocks, one leading to P. zelandica (Quoy and Gaimard), the other to P. kopua Dell. Three new species are described. Overseas occurrences of the genus are noted and a tentative phylogenetic scheme for New Zealand species is suggested.