The Crown Conch (Melongena:Melongenidae) in Florida and Alabama with the Description of Melongena spmcecreekensis, n. sp.

Abstract

The Metongena corona species-group in the United States is reviewed. Three species, one of which is polytypic, are recognized. These include M. corona from the Gulf Coast, M. bicolor from the Keys and Atlantic Coast, and a new species from the Spruce Creek Estuary of the Atlantic Coast. M. c. corona ranges from Cedar Key south to Cape Sable, Florida, and M. c. johnstonei ranges from Little Lagoon, Alabama, to Deckle-Keaton Beach, Florida. These two subspecies differ in shoulder and anterior end spine counts. An intergrade zone was found in the area between Deckle-Keaton Beach and Cedar Key, Florida. The second species, M. bicolor, ranges from Matanzas Inlet to the Dry Tortugas, Florida. This species is shown to differ in food habits and morphological details from its congeners. Morphometric data are presented to differentiate a new species of Melongena from the Spruce Creek Estuary of Florida.