Erronea

Abstract: This paper introduces 73 additional taxa to the existing mitochondrial molecular database of 202 taxa for the Cypraeidae and addresses the systematic implications of their inclusion. Five outgroup members from the Ovulidae are also added. Sequence data are included from all previously missing extant named genera (Propustularia, Barycypraea and Schilderia), completing the overall “generic-level” framework for living cowries. Newly added taxa include 47 recognized species, 25 subspecies, and six undescribed taxa. Phylogenetic results generally are consistent with previous arrangements, with few minor adjustments. The most significant findings are that: (1) currently recognized Nesiocypraea is broken into two disparate clades, a deeply rooting Nesiocypraea sensu stricto group and the more derived Austrasiatica (Lorenz, 1989). (2) Two newly included Barycypraea taxa are sister to Zoila, reaffirming the validity of the subfamilial clade Bernayinae. (3) The inclusion of a significant number of added Erroneini taxa (N = 24) creates a phylogenetic challenge because of poor support and recovered relationships inconsistent at first glance with traditionally recognized affinities. In order to maintain nomenclatural consistency, Erronea is maintained at a generic level, whereas Adusta is dropped to subgeneric status within Erronea. Greater than 90% of currently recognized species are included, and 93% of these are supported by molecular criteria. Moreover, more than 70% of the tested, recognized subspecies are distinct. The phylogeny provides one of the most comprehensive, species-level frameworks to date for testing diversification theories in the marine tropics.