A review of the Atlantic-Mediterranean Bursa scrobilator (Linnaeus, 1758) species complex

The Atlantic-Mediterranean Bursa scrobilator (Linnaeus, 1758) complex is represented by three morphologically distinct forms, two that are extant corresponding to the nominal taxa Murex scrobilator Linnaeus, 1758 and Ranella coriacea Reeve, 1844, and one fossil corresponding to Murex nodosus Borson, 1825. The complex is here reviewed integrating morphological, molecular (mitochondrial COI marker) and paleontological data. The 'scrobilator' and 'coriacea' forms are proposed as two subspecies: Bursa scrobilator scrobilator (Linnaeus, 1758) with an Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution, and Bursa scrobilator coriacea (Reeve, 1844) with a West African range. The evolutionary relationships of the two recent subspecies with their most probable ancestor, the Mediterranean Miocene fossil B. nodosa, are also discussed.