QL
401
W37e
HE WESTERN SOCIETY
F MALACOLOGISTS
v. 42
2010
Annual Report
Volume 42
FIELD MUSEUM
LIBRARY
JUL 12 2017
RECEIVED
Abstracts and Papers from the
42nd Annual Meeting of the Western Society of Malacologists
Held at the California State University at Fullerton,
June 23-27, 2009
Published May 2010
Officers of the Western Society of Malacologists, 2008-2009
President
First Vice President (2010 President)
Second Vice President (201 1 President)
Third Vice Preseident (2012 President)
Secretary
Treasurer
Members-at-large
Michael Vendrasco
George Kennedy
Esteban Felix Pico
Janet Leonard
Charles Powell, II
Kelvin Barwick
Nora Foster
Hans Bertsch
Committees and Appointments, 2008-2009
Student Grants Committee
Danielle Zacherl, Chair
Hans Bertsch
Nora Foster
Auditing Committee
James McLean
r
Angel Valdes
Editoral Board for Volume 42
Hans Bertsch
Nora Foster
Charles Powell, II
Michael Vendrasco
Historian
George Kennedy
The Annual Report of the Western Society of Malacologists is based on its yearly meeting.
Distribution of the Annual Report is free to regular and student members who are, at the time of
issue, in good standing. Membership dues are $20.00 for Individuals or Organizations, and $8.00
for Students. Correspondence regarding membership should be addressed to Kelvin Barwick,
kbarwick@ocsd.com. 16391 Del Oro Circle, Huntington Beach, CA 92649, USA.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACTS AND PAPERS
Midden Mounds of Baja California: Trash Dumps with a View
Hans Bertsch 7
Father Kino, Abalones, and the Island of California
Hans Bertsch 7
Description of the First Tritoniid Nudibranch Found Feeding on a Zooanthid
Anthozoan, with a Preliminary Phylogenv of the Tritoniidae
Hans Bertsch, Angel Valdes, and Terrence M. Gosliner 8
Hermaphroditism in Pinna rugosa at San Ignacio Lagoon
Carlos Caceres Martinez and A. Medina Bustamante 9
Mother of Pearl Shell Carving Work to Establish Family Enterprises in San Pedro,
Mexico and Agua Amarga, BCS, Mexico
Carlos Caceres Martinez and A. Benitez Torres 10
Molecular Systematics and Phylogeography of Neustonic Aeolid Nudibranchs of
the Family Glaucidae
Celia K. C. Churchill 1 1
Fishermen and the Academy: The Search for a New Generation of Aquaculturists in
Baja California, Mexico
Miguel A. del Rio Portilla, Eugenio Diaz Iglesias, Carmen G. Paniagua Chavez,
Julio S. Palleiro Nayar, and Santiago Reseck Duarte 12
What is Acmaea conus Test, 1945?
Douglas J. Eemisse 12
The Zonation and Density of the Macromolluscs Living in the Mangrove Swamps of
the Sand Barrier of El Mogote, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Esteban F. Felix Pico, Martin Hernandez Rivas, Oscar E. Holguin Quinones and
Victor Vargas Lopez 13
Management Strategies of Argopecten ventricosus Fisheries in Bahia Magdalena,
Mexico
Esteban Fernando Felix Pico, Mauricio Ramirez Rodriguez, Marcial Arellano
Martinez, and Alfonso Velez Barajas 14
Morphological and Molecular Distinctions of a Specialist and a Generalist Limpet
Species Living on Feather Boa Kelp Stipes in California
Brenton T. Ferguson and Douglas J. Eemisse 19
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 3
Prehistoric Shell Middens at Punta Colonet, Baja California, Mexico: Cultural and
Environmental Significance
Carlos Figueroa Beltran and Miguel Agustrn Tellez Duarte 20
Population Dynamics at a Shifting Range Boundary Between Sister Species of
Estuarine Sea Slug: Role of the Physical Environment Versus Larval Supply
Matthew N. Garchow and Patrick J. Krug 20
Population Structure of Navanax Based on Nuclear and Mitochondrial Gene Data
Elysse Ranette Gatdula 21
A Two-gene Phylogeny of Chelidonura and the Validity of Some Caribbean Species
Elysse Gatdula and Angel Valdes 22
Chemical Defense, Coloration and Structure in the Nudibranch
Family Chromodorididae
Michael T. Ghiselin and Ernesto Mollo 22
Potential Synonymization of Two Opistobranch Mollusc Species
Luis Gonzalez 24
Environmental Effects on Larval Development of the Sea Slug Alderia willowi
Dominique Gordon 24
Some Shield Limpets ( Lottia pelta ) Experience a Mid-life Crisis While Seaweed
Limpets ( Lottia insessa ) Live Fast and Die Young
Chrystal D. Johnson and Douglas J. Eemisse 25
Collective Action, Ecological Activism, and Environmental Quality: Evidence of
Native Freshwater Mussels Without Invasive Bivalves, in Deep Fallen Leaf Lake,
Near Invasive and Native Bivalves of Lake Tahoe, California
Christopher L. Kitting, Scott Cassell, and Elizabeth Bergman 26
Algal Host Shifts Drive Speciation and Morphological Divergence in
Herbivorous Sea Slugs
Patrick J. Krug, Albert Rodriguez, Danielle Y. Trathen, and
Cynthia D. Trowbridge 33
Slug Sex, Reproductive Interference, and Allee Effects at a Shifting Range Boundary
Angela S. Llaban and Patrick J. Krug 33
Revision of World Liotiidae, Recent and Fossil (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda)
James H. McLean 34
Genetic Traceability: A Feasible Tool for Mexican Abalone Products
Omar Mendoza Porras, Felipe Aguilera Munoz, Pamela Prieto Araya,
Cristian Gallardo Escarate, and Miguel Angel Del Rfo Portilla 36
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 4
Biostratigraphy of the Northern Monterey Bay Section of the Purisima
Formation (Late Miocene-Late Pliocene), Santa Cruz County, California
Charles L. Powell, II and Frank Perry 36
“Gastroclods”: Pleistocene Remnants from Pribilof Canyon
Michelle Ridgway and Nora Foster 37
Production of Egg Masses in Enclosure Areas by Adult Milk Conch Strombus
costatus (Gmelin) in the Contoy Island National Park, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Luis Alfonso Rodriguez Gil, Daniel Blanqueto Cordova, Carlos Francisco
Reyes Sosa, Sara Nahuat Dzib, Jose Luis Giorgana Figueroa, and Ramiro
Alpizar Carrillo 38
Nitric Oxide Signaling Regulates Larval Metamorphosis in a Host-specialized
Sea Slug
Melissa R. Romero and Patrick J. Krug 39
Survival at the Edge: Ecophysiology and Range Limits of Alderia
Elizabeth L. Shimer and Patrick J. Krug 39
Early to Middle Pliocene Mollusks from the Lower Part of the Towsley
Formation, Wiley Canyon, Northern Santa Susana Mountains, Los Angeles
County, California
Richard L. Squires 40
Deep Water Mollusk Communities in the Southern California Bight
Wendy Enright Storms 41
Comparative Phylogeography of Caribbean Sea Slugs with Long-lived vs.
Short-lived Larvae
Danielle Y. Trathen 42
A Molecular Phylogenetic Snalysis of the Buccinidae (Mollusca: Neogastropoda)
of the North West Pacific
Jann Elizabeth Vendetti 42
A Method for Replicating Gastropod Protoconchs for Morphological Analysis
Jann Elizabeth Vendetti 43
Homology Between Shells of Brachiopods and Early Molluscs
Michael J. Vendrasco 44
Phenotypic Plasticity in the Shell Morphology and Volume of the Surfgrass
Lmpet, Lottia paleacea
Laney Whitlow and Douglas J. Eemisse 45
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 5
REPORTS OF SOCIETY BUSINESS
Minutes of the Executive Board Meeting, January 24, 2009 46
Minutes of the Executive Board Meeting, June 24, 2009 46
Minutes of the General Membership Meeting, June 26, 2009 48
Treasurer’ s Report 50
Group Photograph 5 1
2008 Membership List - Individuals 52
2008 Membership List - Institutions 55
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 6
ABSTRACTS AND PAPERS
In alphabetical order by first author
Midden Mounds of Baja California:
Trash Dumps with a View
Hans Bertsch
Departamento de Ingenieria en Pesquerias, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur,
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Mailing address- 192 Imperial Beach Blvd. # A, Imperial Beach, California 91932 USA.
hansmarv ida@,sbcglobal .net
Shells in midden mounds provide significant archaeological and anthropological
information about centuries- long patterns of human use of molluscs. The original peoples of
Baja California often savored their seafood while enjoying a panoramic vista.
Las Concheras de Baja California:
Basureros con una Vista
Las conchas encontradas en las concheras proveen informacion arqueologica y
antropologica significativa sobre siglos de patrones del uso humano de los moluscos. Los
indigenas de Baja California frecuentemente saboreaban sus mariscos mientras gozaban una
vista panoramica.
Father Kino, Abalones, and the Island of California
Hans Bertsch
Departamento de Ingenieria en Pesquerias, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur,
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
192 Imperial Beach Blvd. # A, Imperial Beach, California 91932 USA
hansmarvida@sbcglobal.net
Dedicated to Helen DuShane
Thirty years of explorations, missionary activities and mapping throughout Lower
California and the Pimeria Alta by Father Eusebio Kino, S.J., dealt the final and complete blow
to the “island of California.” Passages from his Historical Memoirs describe the important role
that blue abalone shells played in resolving the geographic conundrum of California (see
Bertsch, in press).
Literature Cited
Bertsch, Hans. In press. Las conchas azules (The blue shells): Father Kino, abalones, and the
Island of California. The Nautilus.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 7
El Padre Kino, Los Abulones, y la Isia de California
Luego de 30 anos de exploraciones, actividades misionales y trazo de mapas a lo largo de
la Baja California y de la Pineria Alta, es el Padre Eusebio Kino, S.J., quien asesta el ultimo
golpe para derribar la nocion de la “Isla de California”. Presentare algunos pasajes de sus
memorias para mostrar el importante papel que tuvieron las enormes conchas azules de adulon
para resolver el acertijo soble la Isla o Peninsula de California.
Description of the First Tritoniid Nudibranch Found Feeding on a Zooanthid Anthozoan,
with a Preliminary Phylogeny of the Tritoniidae
Hans Bertsch1, Angel Valdes2 and Terrence M. Gosliner3
'Departamento de Ingenieria en Pesquerlas, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur,
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Mailing address: 192 Imperial Beach Blvd. #A, Imperial Beach, California 91932 USA
hansmarvida@sbcgiobal.net
Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University,
3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, California 91768 USA
aavaldes@csupomona.edu
California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, California 941 18 USA
tgosliner@calacademv.org
This paper describes the first tritoniid nudibranch known to feed on zooanthid
anthozoans. Tritonia papalotla Bertsch, Valdes & Gosliner, 2009, differs from all known species
of Tritoniidae in its uniform brownish color pattern, undulating mantle margins, retractile
digitform respiratory organs, prominent dorsal vessels, uniseriate radula, and possession of both
a receptaculum seminis and a bursa copulatrix. Owing to the extreme divergence of this species
from other members of the Tritoniidae, a preliminary phylogenetic analysis was undertaken to
establish its phylogenetic position relative to other members of the Tritoniidae. Despite the lack
of robustness of the phylogeny, it is evident that the majority of tritoniid genera currently
recognized are not monophyletic and a major systematic revision of the family is needed.
Tritonia papalotla is included in a polytomy containing eight other tritoniid taxa in four different
genera. The majority of these taxa are species currently placed in Tritonia. For this reason, our
new species is tentatively described as a Tritonia, the oldest genus within the family, until a
thorough revision of the family is undertaken. The majority of its unique morphological
attributes are shown by the present analysis to represent autapomorphies. For this reason, it is
not included in a new superspecific taxon.
Descripcion del Primer Nudibranquio Tritonido Conocido
que se Alimenta de Antozoos Zoantarios,
con un Analisis Preliminar de Tritoniidae
En este trabajo se describe el primer nudibranquio tritonido conocido que se alimenta de
antozoos zoantarios. Tritonia papalotla Bertsch, Valdes & Gosliner se diferencia de todas las
demas especies de Tritoniidae por su patron de color pardo (cafe) uniforme, la presencia de
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 8
margenes del manto onaulaaos, organos respiratorios retractiles digitiformes, venas dorsales
prominentes, radula uniseriada, y la posesion de un receptaculo seminal y una bolsa copulatriz.
Debido a la divergencia extrema de esta especie con otros miembros de Tritoniidae, un analisis
filogenetico preeliminar ha sido llevado a cabo para establece su position en relation a otros
miembros de la familia. Pese a la falta de robustez en la filogenia, es evidente que la mayoria de
los generos de Tritoniidae que estan actualmente reconocidos no son monofileticos y una
revision mas completa de la familia es necesaria. Tritonia papalotla esta incluida en una
politomia que contiene otros ocho taxones de tritonidos pertenecientes a cuatro generos
diferentes. La mayoria de estos taxones son especies actualmente incluidas en Tritonia. Por esta
razon, nuestra nueva especie es tentativamente descrita como un miembro de Tritonia , hasta que
se lleve a cabo una revision de la familia. La mayoria de las peculiaridades morfologicas de
Tritonia papalotla son, de acuerdo con el presente analisis, autoapomorfias. Por esta razon esta
especie no se ha incluido en un nuevo taxon supraespecifico.
Hermaphroditism in Pinna rugosa at San Ignacio Lagoon
Carlos Caceres Martinez and A. Medina Bustamante
Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur,
Carretera al Sur Km 5.5, La Paz Baja California Sur, Mexico 23080
ccaceres@uabcs.mx
The commercial fishery of the pen shell Pinna rugosa in Baja California Sur, Mexico, is
an established activity despite the lack of basic biological knowledge even about its reproductive
cycle. We studied a natural population in San Ignacio Lagoon from March 2000 to April 2003 to
propose some strategies to establish a sustainable fishery. Monthly samples of 1 5 and 7 animals
belonging to one size class were measured and weighed, and then they were sub-sampled to
obtain gonadic tissue for histological studies using paraffin and HE stain on 8 pm slices and
resin on 1.5 pm slices, dyed with Toluidine Blue. The reproductive cycle was determined from
histological observations, and oocyte sizes were measured using microscopic photos from the
paraffin preparations; these were digitalized and measured using the Image-Pro Plus 5. 1
software. The pen shell is a protandric hermaphrodite. Reproduction is at the end of spring and
early summer, and its gametogenic cycle begins in the early spring. We discuss the significance
of hermaphroditism during their gametogenic cycle.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 9
Mother of Pearl Shell Carving Work to Establish Family Enterprises
in San Pedro Mexico and Agua Amarga, BCS, Mexico
Carlos Caceres Martinez and A. Benitez Torres
Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur,
Carretera al Sur Km 5.5, La Paz Baja California Sur, Mexico 23080
ecaceres@uabes-mx
A training program to develop shell carving skills was begun in order to establish
artesanal groups of women among the nonurban communities of the lower Gulf of California.
The program consists of a teaching section, based on the cultural level and skills of the ladies,
and a technical portion using simple regional cultural methods that can be easily used. During
2008, we contacted the two communities of Agua Amarga and San Pedro, Mexico, in the region
of Punta Arenas, Baja California Sur, and formed two groups of women, named respectively
Artesanas de Agua Amarga and Estrella del Mar. We surveyed the 14 members in each group to
learn their living conditions. They each average 28 years of age, with two children, a daily
income of $2.40 (US) per family member (poverty level, UN criteria, 2009), live in two-roomed
houses, have completed high school, and 99% of their husbands are fishermen. The participants
are characterized by an enterprising spirit and an eagerness to reach a higher level of life.
Traditionally in Mexico, women are in charge of the domestic responsibilities (child rearing and
their education). These ladies are especially motivated to find alternative means of producing
goods or services to strengthen their financial condition. An integrated project was developed
that includes a workshop and a calendar of skills learned. This was presented to the Federal
Government to obtain financing and to bring it to fruition. In this work we present the plans and
projects for 2009.
Madreperla Trabajada para Establecer Empresas Familiares
en San Pedro Mexico y en Agua Amarga, BCS, Mexico
Se elaboro un programa de entrenamiento y capacitacion para desarrollar habilidades
para el tallado de concha y caracol, a fin de elaborar artesanias para grupos de mujeres de las
comunidades riberenas del Golfo de California. El programa comprende un apartado didactico
acorde con el nivel cultural y de conocimientos de la poblacion objetivo y un apartado tecnico
con elementos de la cultura popular a fin de que el mismo pueda ser adoptado con facilidad.
Durante 2008, se establecio contacto con dos comunidades de la region de Punta Arenas, las
mismas son Agua Amarga y San Pedro Mexico, en ellas formamos dos grupos de mujeres,
denominados respectivamente Artesanas de Agua Amarga y Estrellas del Mar. Cada grupo esta
constituido por 14 miembros, a los que les fue aplicada una encuesta para conocer sus
condiciones de vida. Las integrantes tienen en promedio 28 anos de edad, dos hijos, un ingreso
diario de $2.40 dolares americanos por miembro de su familia (situacion de pobreza ONU,
2009), dos habitaciones en su vivienda, educacion secundaria terminada, y el 99% de sus
maridos son Pescadores. Las integrantes estan caracterizadas por un espiritu emprendedor y un
afan de superacion para alcanzar un mejor nivel de vida (ya que como en todo el pais las mujeres
estan encargadas de los trabajos domesticos, la crianza y educacion de los hijos) y siempre estan
motivadas para encontrar altemativas de ser productoras o protagonistas de algun bien o servicio
que complemente su economia. Se elaboro un proyecto integral que comprende la construccion
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 10
de un taller de trabajo, equipado y un calendario de capacitacion mismos que fueron presentados
a la federacion para obtener fmanciamiento y llevarlo acabo. En este trabajo se presentan los
proyectos y las expectativas para 2009.
Molecular systematics and Phylogeography of
Neustonic Aeolid Nudibranchs of the Family Glaucidae
Celia K. C. Churchill
The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Mollusk Division,
1 109 Geddes Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1079 USA
celiakc@umich.edu
The evolutionary and ecological transition from a benthic (sea floor) to neustonic (pelagic
ocean surface) habitat is an extraordinary leap that has occurred only a few times in history. One
such instance involves the aeolid nudibranch subfamily Glaucinae, which has achieved this
transition through unique and remarkable means; using specialized gastric cavities, these
nudibranchs gulp air to maintain buoyancy, floating passively upside-down for their adult lives.
The first goal of this research is to identify a convincing benthic sister lineage of the pelagic
Glaucinae. While a number of taxonomically-proximate sister lineages have been proposed,
Valdes and Angulo Campillo (2004) concluded that there was insufficient morphological or
anatomical evidence at present to identify a convincing glaucinid sister lineage. Using two mt
gene fragments (16S rDNA; COI) in collaboration with the Valdes lab, the initial molecular
analysis places Glaucinae sister to Favorininae, which is broadly consistent with Miller’s (1974)
taxonomy. The second component of this research is part of a larger project examining the global
phylogeography of the neustonic community. As members of the Glaucinae drift passively
throughout the planet’s five subtropical gyres, do continental land masses and strong equatorial
currents present barriers to gene flow? What are the spatial scales and mechanisms of speciation?
Molecular analysis of the cosmopolitan Glaucus atlanticus and Pacific-basin G. marginatus
using mt gene fragments (16S rDNA and COI ) show strikingly different patterns: G. atlanticus
exhibited modest variation in the Pacific basin, which is contained within the variation in the
North Atlantic, three gyre systems away. G. marginatus in the Pacific basin produced highly
diverent co-occurring mt lineages in the North Pacific that may represent cryptic species.
Literature Cited
Valdes, A. & O. Angulo Campillo. 2004. Systematics of pelagic aeolid nudibranchs of the family
Glaucidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda). Bulletin of Marine Science 75:381-389.
Miller, M.C. 1974. Aeolid nudibranchs (Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia) of the family Glaucidae
from New Zealand waters. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 54:31-61, pl.l.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 1 1
Fishermen and the Academy:
The Search for a New Generation of Aquaculturists in Baja California, Mexico
Miguel A. del Rio Portilla1, Eugenio Diaz Iglesias1, Carmen G. Paniagua Chavez1,
Julio S. Palleiro Nayar ’ and Santiago Reseck Duarte
1 Departamento de Acuicultura, Centro de Investigation Cientifica y de Education Superior de Ensenada, CICESE,
Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
rndelrio@cicese.mx
2 Centro Regional de Investigation Pesquera. Ensenada, Instituto Nacional de la Pesca, Mexico
3 Regasa No2. S.P.R. de R.L., Domicilio Conocido, El Rosario, Baja California, Mexico
Mexican fishery production has not increased much in recent years. Some factors that
have affected this production include poaching and overexploitation. Thus, several fishermen
considered the possibility of supporting their fishing production with aquaculture. Regasa No. 2
is a fisherman's association founded in 1994, which started its first concession catching sea
urchins in Punta San Antonio of South El Rosario, Baja California. After 15 years, they have not
only managed to increase sea urchin density in their area, but also to increase the population
density of other species such as abalone and lobster, even though they have concessions for
catching these species and other shellfish organisms such as geoduck. They also had the
foresight to culture the species they catch. At the same time, CICESE has had great interest on
helping producers such as fishermen and aquaculturists by transmitting fishery and aquaculture
knowledge and its application. With this in mind, Regasa No. 2 started a small farm to culture
abalone with the aid of CICESE. In this talk we will give more information of how the
relationship between fishermen and the academy can help to increase not only fishery and
aquaculture of mollusks, but also other marine organisms such as lobsters.
What is Acmaea conus Test, 1945?
Douglas J. Eemisse
Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton, California 92834 USA
deemisse@fiillerton.edu
Ever since Avery Ransome (Grant) Test described Acmaea conus Test, 1945, this species
has been regarded as valid and is presently known as Lottia conus , although it has been scarcely
studied, especially compared with its supposed northern counterpart, L. scabra (Gould, 1846). In
fact, most recent studies monitoring intertidal communities south of Pt. Conception have lumped
L. scabra and L. conus because of the difficulty in their separation. In my own molecular studies
of West Coast Lottiidae, I had assumed that L. conus was the small-bodied species I had found in
southern California whose sequences revealed that it was clearly distinct but closely related to L.
scabra. Of the about 14 Lottia spp. I have studied in southern California, this is the only one
whose geographic range does not also extend to north of Point Conception. Even at its type
locality at Pt. Fermin in San Pedro in southern California, this species is less common than L.
scabra. Test also stated that it is relatively scarce north of La Jolla, but she considered it more
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 12
common than either L. scabra or L. austro digitalis (as Acmaea digitalis ) from La Jolla to the
southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. This statement seemed contrary to my own
experience and I decided that I needed to examine Test’s type material. Because no one had yet
designated a lectotype from among the 20 specimens in her “type series” for Acmaea conus, I
requested and was fortunately granted a loan of these syntypes from the California Academy of
Sciences. I was extremely surprised to discover that these were all substantially larger (13.4 to
18.7mm length; mean length = 15.4mm) than any of the specimens that I had identified as L.
conus. For example, nine representative vouchers of what I was calling L. conus whose identity
was confirmed by sequencing ranged from 6 to 9mm in length, with a mean length = 7.3mm. In
fact, I would have identified Test’s syntypes from Pt. Fermin as L. scabra based on their size and
appearance alone, rather than what I was calling L. conus, even though her syntypes did have
ribs that were thinner than most L. scabra specimens. I returned to localities around Pt. Fermin
and searched without success for any thin-ribbed specimens of what I was calling L. conus that
were as large as the L. conus syntypes. Instead, the limpets I saw reinforced my impression that
the small species I was calling L. conus do not appear to get nearly as large as any of the
syntypes. Ongoing studies are designed to test alternative possibilities. Perhaps I have merely
missed the large L. conus, or they are substantially smaller now at the type locality than they
were when she collected the syntypes about 70 years ago. I have found limpets somewhat
resembling her syntypes further south at San Onofre (San Diego Co.). Alternatively, her syntypes
are conspecific with Lottia scabra (Gould, 1 846) and there is another small-bodied species in
southern California that needs to be described.
The Zonation and Density of the Macromolluscs Living in the Mangrove Swamps
of the Sand Barrier of El Mogote, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Esteban F. Felix Pico1, Martin Hernandez Rivas1, Oscar E. Holguin Quinones1
& Victor Vargas Lopez2
'Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas-Instituto Politecnico Nacional,
P.O. Box 592, La Paz, 23000, Baja California Sur, Mexico
efelix@ipn.mx. mrivas@ipn.mx. oholguin@ipn.mx
2Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, Dpto. Biologla Marina,
Km 1.5 Carretera al Sur, La Paz, 23096, Baja California Sur, Mexico
freedi ver@hotrnai 1 .com
On the eastern coast of Baja California Sur, mangrove forests are found in isolated strips,
bush-like, with limited coverage. This region is considered one of the most arid locations in the
country, with very little permanent flowing surface water due to small amounts of rainfall. We
conducted a qualitative and quantitative seasonal study of the faunal community associated with
the submerged roots of the red mangrove. Each sampling collected 5 roots, and the material was
preserved with 10% formaldehyde solution. We selected three representative sampling areas on
El Mogote (24°08'80" N, 110°8'23" W). Monthly sampling was during August 2007 to July
2008. Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle were the dominant species on the borders
of the mangrove swamp, while Avicennia germinans dominated the inland areas. Areal coverage
by mangroves was estimated as a total area of 200 ha. The highest values of density averaged
1,937 ind.ha"1, with a height average of 2.4 m and a basal area of 5.48 m'2 ha'1. The mangroves
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 13
have complexity indices averaging 0.19 for mangroves >10 cm DBH. There were 12 species of
macromolluscs (7 bivalves and 5 gastropods). The dominant species were Crassostrea palmula
(47% and 50 ind/500 cm2), Anadara tuberculosa (41% and 2.5 ind/m2) and Brachidontes
semilaevis (4% and 9 ind/500 cm2). The analysis of diversity and evenness showed the highest
values of the Shannon- Wiener index at Estero C with 0.49 bits/individual, and the lowest value
at Estero B with 0.41 bits/individual. The most widespread impacts of human activities or natural
succession on the point of the sand barrier include various forms of marinas and housing
developments, widespread tourism, storm destruction and increased soil salinity. This
knowledge will help us develop strategies of careful management and protection.
Management Strategies of Argopecten ventricosus Fisheries in Bahia Magdalena, Mexico
i i
Esteban Fernando Felix Pico , Mauricio Ramirez Rodriguez, Marcial Arellano Martinez
and Alfonso Velez Barajas
'Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas-Instituto Politecnico Nacional,
P.O. Box 592, La Paz, 23000, Baja California Sur, Mexico
efelix@ipn.mx. mramir@ipn.mx. marelian@ipn.mx
2Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, Dpto. Biologia Marina,
Km 1.5 Carretera al Sur, La Paz, 23096, Baja California Sur, Mexico
velezba 1 @gmai 1 .com
*To whom correspondence should be addressed
Introduction
The Pacific calico scallops fishery is an important activity in Bahia Magdalena, on the
west coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. Its catch is notoriously variable; while
during 1989 it achieved 32,000 tons, but during 1991 to 1995 landings declined to about 900 tons
and, in 2005 it barely landed 15,000 tons. The fishery is based on hookah diving from outboard
powered boats. Fishermen belong in cooperatives or work for private industries which obtain
licenses from the federal government. Numbers of licenses are determined after density
assessments by the National Fisheries Institute. As in other calico scallop fisheries in the world,
the high variability of stock abundance is a consequence of climate changes and
overexploitation, as well as management strategies. In Mexico this fishery is regulated by the
Official Norm 004-PESC-1993 (Diario Oficial de la Federation, 1993). In this paper we briefly
summarize relevant aspects on management perspectives.
Site description
In general, scallop fisheries are characterized by a lack of planning which may jeopardize
the species’ stability, persistence and productivity, since demographic growth implies an increase
in the number of fishermen, leading to a higher pressure on this resource. However, to prevent
overfishing, which would result in higher levels of poverty among communities exploiting this
resource, a better knowledge of the fishery dynamics and the species’ growth and reproduction
processes are required, especially those related to its potential cultivation. This work analyzes
landings of Argopecten ventricosus living in the Bahia Magdalena region, Baja California Sur,
Mexico (Figure 1).
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 14
Material and Methods
Information on biology and population dynamics of Argopecten ventricosus in the
Mexican Pacific were reviewed, specifically those aspects related to individual growth,
reproductive cycles and density distribution, commonly used to determine management
measures. We also reviewed the information on catch and fishing effort and the current control
procedures.
The licenses given by the federal government to commercial enterprises is in accordance
with a procedure that includes information on the behavior of the fishermen and availability of
the Pacific calico scallop. There are 162 licenses that include 349 boats.
Figure 1. Location of the fisheries regions in Bahia Magdalena, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
The ideal measurement of effort would involve some measure of diving gear or number
of divers per compressor and the time of diving, e.g. catch /No. Divers h . The catch is then
reported as whole shellfish, meat, and muscle in kilograms. But usually effort data consists at
best of catch boat day1.
This fishery is regulated by the Official Norm 004-PESC-1993 (Diario Oficial de la
Federacion). The no-catch season goes from December 15 through March 31. Minimum size is
60 mm.
Results
Since 1975 the scallop fishery in Bahia Magdalena harvests Argopecten ventricosus,
locally called “almeja catarina.” It is distributed patchily in sandy bottoms from the coast to 20
m deep (Felix Pico, 2006). According to official statistics, the total annual landings of A.
ventricosus at the end of the 1980s averaged about 32,000 tons (Fig. 2). Usually, from June to
September adults of 3 to 6 cm shell heights are found in areas 10 to 20 m deep; juveniles less
than 3 cm in shell height are present in shallow waters. The main reproductive season occurred
during March-April. Apparently La Nina years produce favorable conditions to an additional
reproductive peak during July- August in those years, as reflected in landings from November to
January. After spawning, individuals lose muscle weight, some die and others may take up to 3
months to recover to normality and reproduce again.
Fisheries management in Bahia Magdalena is based on licenses given by the federal
government to commercial enterprises according to a procedure that includes information on
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 15
fishing activities and fne availability of A. ventricosus. Actually there are 135 enterprises, 162
licenses that include 349 boats. Landings from 1998 through 2007 showed almost no catch until
2001 (average 976 tons), a rapid increment until 2005 (average = 9234 tons), a suddenly
decrease in 2006 (6,435 tons) and a recuperation in 2007 (14,373 tons) (Fig. 3). Constant price
value shows the same pattern; in 2007 it was estimated in US$ 5.1 million. Grossly, catch per
boat varied from 1 to 2.6 tons. The administrative process used for determination of the number
of licenses and extension of the fishing season is not well documented.
Catch is notoriously variable; while during 1989 it achieved 32,000 tons, during 1991 to
1995 landings declined to about 900 tons, and in 2005 it barely landed 15,000 tons.
Figure 2. Historical annual catch of scallops in the Bahia Magdalena region (total fresh weight).
Figure 3. Landings per year of Pacific calico scallop in Bahia Magdalena, Mexico: 1998-2007.
Discussion
Regulations
The Pacific calico scallop fishery is an important activity in Bahia Magdalena, on the
west coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. Species that have experienced a decline in
range and abundance as a result of several factors (e.g. exploitation, habitat loss, and natural
depredation and competition) often respond to decreased exploitation more quickly than to other
management strategies. Large harvests of scallops in the late 19th and early 20th centuries are
well documented (Masso Rojas, 1996, Felix Pico, 2006). Restrictive regulations that will support
self-sustaining populations are essential for the protection of remnant stocks.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 16
Current scallop regulations are much more uniform among jurisdictions and are now
some of the most restrictive among the scallop species managed in Bahia Magdalena (Table 1).
FISHERS COOPERATIVES
i ORGANIZATIONS (FEDERATION
; AND COOPERATIVE
i ASSOCIATIONS) REQUEST TO THE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT A
QUOTA PER AREA AND SEASON.
eVEftV COOPERATIVE MUST
HAVE A CURRENT LICENSE FOR
CATCH PACIFIC CALICO .
I REQUEST IS EVALUATED
i BV THE NATIONAL
} FISHERIES INSTITUTE
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT IS DEVELOPED WITH THE
COLLABORATION OF FISHERS (DIVERS. BOATS
AND DIVING EQUIPMENT)
___
TECHNICAL OPINION IS PRESENTED TO
THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
RECOMMENDING QUOTAS PER AREA,
THATSMOULD NOT GO OVER 60% OF
TOTALBIOMA** OF INDIVIDUALS LARGER
THAN THE MINIMUM LEGAL SIZE
k
r
j SI
BIOMASS ESTIMATIONS ARE
BASED ON CATCH PER AREA
(TRANSECTS DESIGN)
4
DATA ANALVSIS LOOKS FOR MAXIMUM
SUSTAINABLE YIELDS (MVS) AND QUOTAS
DETERMINATION
jCATCH SEASON IS OFFICIALLY OPEN.
jlNSPECTOR OFFICIALS CHECK CATCH PER
BOAT AND FISHERMEN CREDENTIALS.
f GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DEFINE-
S NUMBER OF BOATS AND DAYS FISHERS CAN OPERATE
CATCH PER BOAT PER DAY SHOULD NOT HIGHER THAN SOO
<S>
j* RULES OF OPERATION:
j PORTS FOR THE FLEET
j HANDLING OF PRODUCTS AND
BY-PRODUCTS
government Officials Called a
MEETING OF THE PACIFIC CALICO FISHERIES
SUBCOMMITTEE) WITH THE PARTICIPATION
OF FISHERS. SANITARY, INSPECTION AND
RESEARCH SECTORS.
m
QUOTAS AND RULES ARE INFORMED.
COMPLAINS ON AUTHORIZATION! AND
RULES OF OPERATION ARE DISCUSSED.
EVERV FISHER RECEIVES A CREDENTIAL AS
AUTHORIZED FISHERMEN FOR THE SEAJON.
\Lj
SANITARY INSPECTORS CHECK ON
HANDLING OF FISHERIES PRODUCTS AND
BY-PRODUCTS,
FISHERMEN REPORTS DAILY CATCH UNTIL
OUOTA ENDS.
IF AT THH POINT FDHERS CONSIDER THAT
RESOURCE AVAILABILITY IS BIG ENOUGH,
THEY PRESENT A NEW REQUEST. OFFICIAL)
RESEARCHERS WORK A NEW ASSESSMENT
AND ACCORDING TO RESULTS A NEW
QUOTA CAN BE ACCEPTED
CO-MANAGEMENT
END OF SEASON.!
Table 1. Summaiy of general Bahia Magdalena fishing regulations for Pacific calico scallops.
Stocking
The stocking of Pacific calico scallop in Bahia Magdalena has occurred basin wide since
the late 1960s. During most of this period, stocking provided a subsistence resource and an
important commercial fishery. The estimation of stocking year densities is starting aggregate
stock and then dispersed. The historical scallop producing areas of Baja California Sur, Mexico
are shown in Table 2.
During the years 2006 to 2008, the four principal stocks of the lagoon complex system of
Bahia Magdalena (Fig. 4) occurred at Muelle San Carlos, Bahia Magdalena, Palma Sola and
Bahia Almejas.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 17
Table 2. Stocks and density populations exploited in the coastal lagoons of Baja California Sur,
Mexico.
YEAR
Localities
Densities of scallops per m2
February August October
Millions of scallops
STOCKS Authors
1975
Ensenada de La Paz
10
4
2
36
Felix-Pico 1991
1976
Ensenada de La Paz
15
6
0.5
32
Yoshida & De Alba 1977
1977
Ensenada de La Paz
13
3
1
34
Baqueiro et al 1981
1988
Bahia Concepcion
95
25
8
62
Leon-Carballo et al 1991
1989
Bahia Magdalena
159
19
2
606
Felix-Pico 1991
1990
Bahia Magdalena
26
4
0.5
321
Felix-Pico 1993
2005
Bahia Magdalena
200
32
4
186
This study
2006
Bahia Magdalena
120
26
4
421
This study
2007
Bahia Magdalena
62
230
This study
'
rwnv-gaooa (NAVY. 1571*
Figure 4. Location of the fisheries stocks in Bahia Magdalena.
Acknowledgements
This work was financed by the Institute Politecnico Nacional (Project SIP-20091270:
Ordenamiento de Pesquerias), the author receives grants from SIBE (COFAA) and EDI-SEP and
to the Centro Regional de Investigaciones Pesqueras (CRIP-INP La Paz).
Literature Cited
Diario Oficial de La Federacion. (1993) Acuerdo que regula el aprovechamiento de la almeja
catarina en aguas de juridiscion federal de la Peninsula de Baja California. (004-PESC-1993),
Mexico, D.F., 21 de diciembre de 1993. 3 pp.
Felix-Pico, E.F. (2006) Mexico, pp 1337-1367. In: S.E. Shumway & J. Parsons (Eds.) Scallops:
Biology, Ecology and Aquaculture. Elsevier Dev. Aquacult. Fish. Sci.
Masso Rojas, J.A. (1996) In: M. Casas & G. Ponce (Eds.) Estudio Potencial Pesq. y Acuic. de
B.C. S. SEMARNAP, Mex. I, 350 pp.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 18
Morphological and Molecular Distinctions of a Specialist and a Generalist Limpet Species
Living on Feather Boa Kelp Stipes in California
Brenton T. Ferguson and Douglas J. Eemisse
Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton, California 92834-6850 USA
BrentFerguson@gmail.com. deemisse@fullerton.edu
To date, field observation and identification has been somewhat unreliable when making
the distinction between Lottia insessa, a specialist species that has been known to live and graze
only on the stipes of Egregia menziesii, and a generalist species, L. pelta, which can also be
found on E. menziesii but is more normally associated with rock habitats. When found on E.
menziesii, L. pelta is striking in its shell morphological similarities to Loitiu insessa. We
investigated the distribution of these two species on feather boa kelp along the shores of
California and were able to correlate sequence of distinctions with morphological traits, so that
now we can be relatively confident in telling them apart, even without sequencing. For
identification purposes, we sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial 16S DNA gene and
examined the morphology of our vouchers using light microscopes. Despite an amazing
convergence in overall appearance we found consistent diagnostic features to distinguish these
species: 1) The shell apex region (top 1 mm of shell) is darker than the rest of the shell only in L.
insessa, and it often times also has white spots - this corresponds to the retained shell of the
limpet when it was a juvenile; 2) the characteristic hooked apex of this earliest portion of the
shell only in L. insessa ; 3) dark tissue pigment in shell attachment region only in L. insessa, and
this is often visible through the somewhat translucent shell; 4) the presence of fine radial
sculpturing on non-eroded shells only in L. pelta ; and 5) slight differences in the outline of the
shell, L. insessa has somewhat more parallel lateral margins of its shell than L. pelta. Frequently,
only the last of these distinctions is noted in available keys and this distinction is really only
apparent in adults. Flere, we present molecular evidence that clearly distinguishes between these
two similar appearing species and shows that L. pelta is regionally/locally common especially
along the mostly rocky shoreline of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, whereas L. insessa was usually
the only limpet found at sites dominated by sandy beaches. We are pursuing the ecological
implications of these distributional patterns and potential interactions between these limpet
species.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 19
Prehistoric Shell Middens at Punta Colonet, Baja California, Mexico:
Cultural and Environmental Significance
Carlos Figueroa Beltran and Miguel Agustin Tellez Duarte
Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Facultad de Ciencias Marinas/IIO
Doctorado en Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo
Apartado Postal 453, Ensenada, CP 22800, Baja California, Mexico
carlosfigueroab@gmail.com, mtellez@uabc.mx
Shell middens are the most conspicuous and common archaeological feature along the
Baja California coast. They are very important because they hold one of the earliest evidences of
human coastal mollusk exploitation for food, artifact design and trade. At Punta Colonet, most
of them are very well preserved and widely distributed from the coast to many kilometers inland.
Midden mollusk composition mostly agrees with the recent living fauna from the adjacent rocky
or sandy shorelines, dominated by the mussel Mytilus californianus and the Pismo clam Tivela
stultorum respectively. Other common rocky shoreline mollusks present are the limpets
Fissurella volcano and Lottia gigantea , and the black abalone Haliotis cracherodii. This
composition indicates intertidal collecting. Sandy shoreline mollusks are less common and
diverse. In some places there is no correlation between the archaeological mollusk composition
and the recent shoreline, which could be related to environmental changes due to coastal cliff
retreat by wave erosion. This erosion is washing cultural remains into the sea. This natural
process and the project of a megaport development are endangering the preservation of the
archaeological sites, in which mollusks are clues to understanding ancient human diets, inland
trade routes, environmental changes, and the peopling of America.
Population Dynamics at a Shifting Range Boundary between Sister Species of Estuarine
Sea Slug: Role of the Physical Environment versus Larval Supply
Matthew N. Garchow and Patrick J. Krug
CSU Los Angeles, Department of Biology, Los Angeles, California, 90032 USA
scratt@aol.com. pkrug@calstatela.edu
Intertidal animals that occur along linear strips of coastline are ideal models for studying
the causes of range limits, and for predicting how ranges may shift due to climate change. The
estuarine sea slugs Alderia modesta and A. willowi share a dynamic range boundary between
Bodega Harbor and San Francisco Bay, which has likely shifted 180 km north over the last 50
years. We quantified field densities of both species along replicate transects in SF Bay, and
correlated abundance with in situ measurements of temperature, salinity and habitat suitability.
The southern species Alderia willowi colonizes SF Bay each September, after high temperatures
kill off most A. modesta. Conversely, most A. modesta recruit in March after low salinity and
possible competitive interactions eliminate A. willowi. Size-frequency distributions revealed two
major recruitment events for each species early in their respective seasons, indicating supply-side
processes are important to metapopulation dynamics of these slugs. However, the lack of
subsequent recruitment refutes the hypothesis that range limits occur because the continuous
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 20
influx of maladaptive alleles from the range center inhibits adaptation to stressful edge
conditions. Instead, the seasonal gradient in conditions exceeds the adaptive potential present in
annual settlement cohorts, favoring first one species and then the other. These findings
illuminate the biological and physical factors setting the permanent range boundary at Bodega
Harbor, and may be used to predict future range shifts of estuarine animals due to increasing
temperature and changing hydrology along California’s coastline.
Population Structure of Navanax Based on Nuclear and Mitochondrial Gene Data
Elysse Ranette Gatdula
Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona,
3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, California 91768 USA
ERGatduia@csupomona.edu
Along the eastern Pacific several genera of the family Aglajidae can be found. Of
particular interest are species belonging to the genus Navanax , which includes N. aenigmaticus,
N. inermis, and N. polyalphos. While N. inermis and N. polyalphos are restricted to the eastern
Pacific, populations of N. aenigmaticus are found in the eastern Pacific, western Atlantic, and
eastern Atlantic. These species were described using morphological characters, such as color and
the anatomy of the digestive and reproductive systems. However, members of these species
exhibit wide color variation and it is not known if color forms are genetically distinct. What also
remains unknown is if the three isolated populations of N. aenigmaticus are genetically distinct
despite a similar morphology. The primary use of morphological characters to describe new
species has led to questions regarding the validity of some species. New species are sometimes
described solely on the basis of some color forms and fail to identify the color range within
species.
To address the validity of the three species of Navanax , two molecular markers were
employed to construct a molecular phylogeny of the genus. The mitochondrial 16S ribosomal
gene has both highly conserved and highly variable regions; the variable regions are loops
regions which are subject to relatively high mutation rates. The nuclear H3 histone protein-
coding gene is highly conserved, but is subject to silent mutations accumulated at a much slower
rate than those seen in the 16S gene. Using the molecular phylogeny, we can determine the
validity, the color variation, and the geographic structure for each species. The phylogenies
suggest the synonymization of two species of Navanax and the reinstatement of another species.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 21
A Two-gene Phylogeny of Chelidonura and the Validity of Some Caribbean Species
Elysse Gatdula and Angel Valdes
Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University,
3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona, California 91768 USA
ERGatduia@csupomona.edu. aavaides@csupomona.edu
Several species of Chelidonura are known from tropical and subtropical regions. In the
Caribbean a number of new species have been described during the last few years, mainly based
on external morphology and coloration. Some authors have suggested that at least some of this
new diversity constitute color forms of other species. The present project aims to 1) determine
genetic divergence between the newly described species in order to verify how many of these are
valid and 2) provide a preliminary phylogeny for Chelidonura based on 16S and H3 gene data,
including some sequences from GenBank. The molecular phylogenies obtained support the need
to synonymize most of the newly described Caribbean species, except for Chelidonura cubana,
which is distinct. The phylogenies contain some geographic structure that appears to indicate a
diversification in Chelidonura before the closure of the east-west main communication, as some
clades contain a mixture of Atlantic and Indo-Pacific species. The pan-tropical Chelidonura
hirundinina constitutes at least two distinct clades, likely separated by the formation of the
Panama Isthmus.
Chemical Defense, Coloration and Structure
in the Nudibranch Family Chromodorididae
1 9
Michael T. Ghiselin and Ernesto Mollo
'California Academy of Sciences, 55 Concourse Drive, San Francisco, California 94118, U.S.A.
mtghiseiin@calacademv.org
2Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
emoilo@icmib.na.cnr.it
The secondary metabolites of nudibranchs and other opisthobranchs defend these animals
from predators and have been the driving force behind their evolution (Cimino & Ghiselin,
2009). The notion that these chemicals are non-adaptive byproducts of metabolism has long
since been abandoned, but skepticism with respect to their function has persisted. This is because
all too often the results that have been reported in the literature have not been supported by
appropriate ecological experiments or realistic quantification of the concentration of metabolites
that are essential for a proper evaluation of their biological activity. Consequently the false
impression has been given that certain important questions have already been answered. The
work here described applies a new experimental approach to two topics having to do with the
defensive function of chemicals that are associated with various color patterns and body shapes.
Metabolites were directly quantified by ’H-NMR spectroscopy on crude extracts by
adding a known amount of an internal standard to lipophilic extracts obtained from nudibranch
tissues. This allowed us to avoid sources of error such as chemical degradation of samples that
have plagued efforts at quantification based upon chromatography.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 22
Another problem with earlier work has been the methodology of bioassays. These
commonly use freshwater fishes, test toxicity rather than repugnancy, and lack statistical
evaluation. In this work we have used a trophic generalist, the common marine decapod
crustacean Palaemon elegans as an assay organism and evaluated the results statistically,
following a recently-described method (Mollo et al., 2008).
The first topic considered was the striking color patterns of chromodorid (and other)
nudibranchs that appear to be indicative of aposematism. The alternative possibility that some of
these are Batesian mimics cannot be excluded without further investigation. Ros (1976)
proposed a Mullerian mimetic circle for a group of blue, white and yellow colored
Mediterranean and Northeastern Atlantic species of Hypselodoris. Because this group is
monophyletic, however, the aposematism would be preserved by selection and not be the product
of convergence. One of these, Hypselodoris fontandraui, lacks the mantle dermal formations
(repugnatorial glands) that are found in other members of this circle. It therefore seemed
possible that this animal lacks chemical defense and acts like a Batesian mimic or free rider. We
have experimental evidence that H. fontandraui is chemically defended in much the same way as
its aposematic, co-occurring and blue-colored congeners within the Mullerian mimetic circle and
is not a Batesian mimic. First, we found that the nudibranch contains the furanosesquiterpenoid
tavacpalescenscin, most probably derived from sponges of the genus Dysidea, upon which it
possibly feeds. The metabolite concentrations were measured from samples of the mantle rim,
other external parts, and internal organs. Concentrations were about four times higher in the
mantle rim than the other external parts, and more than twenty times higher in the mantle rim
than the internal organs, considerably exceeding the threshold value of concentration showing
the maximum dose effect as a feeding deterrent against P. elegans. Although histological
examination failed to detect mantle dermal formations, a possible accumulation reservoir was
found.
The second topic approached had to do with the functional significance of the diverse
mantle morphologies within the family Chromodorididae. Measurements of metabolite levels in
the mantle reservoirs of Glossodoris atromarginata, Chromodoris sinensis , Hypselodoris
infucata, Risbecia tryoni, and Ceratosoma gracillimum reveal unpalatable concentrations of
metabolites much higher than anyone had anticipated. Given that the repugnatorial glands are
supplemented by what appear to be deflective color patterns and are positioned in exposed
locations where they can readily deliver a high dose of metabolite to the attacking predator
without suffering much damage themselves, the nudibranchs would seem to possess a highly
coadapted system of defensive adaptations.
Literature Cited
Cimino, G., & Ghiselin, M.T. 2009. Chemical defense and the evolution of opisthobranch
gastropods. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 16 (10): 175-422.
Mollo, E., Gavagnin, M., Carbone, M, Castelluccio, F., Pozone, F., Rolussis, V., Templado, J.,
Ghiselin, M.T., & Cimino, G. 2008. Factors promoting marine invasions: a chemecological
approach. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 105 (12): 4582-4586.
Ros, J., 1976. Systemas de defensa en los Opistobranquios. Oecologia Aquatica 2: 41-77.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 23
Potential Synonymization of Two Opistobraneh Mollusc Species
Luis Gonzalez
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 3801 Temple Ave., Pomona, California 91768 USA
legonzalez@csupomona.edu
Dondice is an enigmatic group of sea slugs containing only three described species. Two
of these species {Dondice Occident alis and Dondice parguerensis ) are found in the Caribbean
while one other inhabits areas in and around Europe. A main area of interest for this study
involves the difference between the distinct feeding habits of these two species and their
morphological similarity to another species in a different group ( Hermissenda ). Dondice
parguerensis feeds entirely on upside-down sea jellies while Dondice occidentalis only eats
anemones. The benthic jellies are possessors of a well known venomous defense mechanism that
usually protects them from potential predators. When threatened, the jelly’s cnidocils are
triggered and hundreds of stinging nematocysts are released into the surrounding water. This is
usually enough of a deterrent to protect them from being eaten by most potential predators, but
Dondice parguerensis has evolved a formidable counter-defense mechanism in which it is
immune to the usually crippling stings of the jelly’s nematocysts. Other than their distinct
feeding behaviors however, these two species are strikingly similar morphologically and it is
expected that they may actually be the same species occupying different ecological niches. H3
nuclear and 16S mitochondrial gene data are currently being collected to determine just how
close the relationship is between these two in order to test the validity of their rank as separate
species. This will provide insight into whether or not they are genetically isolated and thus
capable or incapable exchanging genes between them. In addition, a comparison of molecular
data from Dondice and its sister taxa Hermissenda will be explored in order to determine
whether or not these should be classified as distinct groups.
Environmental Effects on Larval Development of the Sea Slug Alderia willowi
Dominique Gordon
Biology Department, California State University, Los Angeles,
5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, California 90032 USA
DgordOO 1 6@hotmaii.com
Environmental cues can trigger phenotypic plasticity in a wide range of organisms.
Alderia willowi seasonally switch developmental mode of their offspring between larger non-
feeding lecithotrophic larvae in the summer and smaller feeding planktotrophic larvae in the
winter. We wanted to maintain lecithotrophic development in the lab for purposes of performing
multi-generation selection experiments, but past students were unable to get the slugs to maintain
lecithotrophic development when raised under lab conditions. Factors that cause adult A. willowi
to switch larval development may be temperature, seawater salinity, or growth rate. I tested the
hypothesis that high temperature, high salinity, or both would cause laboratory reared slugs to
express lecithotrophic development by mimicking summer conditions. I also tested for effects of
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 24
growth rate on larval development type. Combinations of high or low salinity and high or low
temperature resulted in less than 15% lecithotrophic clutches. However, slugs that grew at a rate
of 0. 1 mm per day, compared to slugs that grew at 0.04 mm per day, resulted in greater than 90%
lecithotrophic clutches. These results suggest that growth rate, rather than environmental cues,
may control development mode.
Some Shield Limpets ( Lottia pelta ) Experience a Mid-life Crisis while Seaweed Limpets
(Loiiia insessa ) Live Fast and Die Young
Chrystal D. Johnson and Douglas J. Eemisse
Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton, California 92834-6850 USA
Chrystal ina@csu.fuiierton.edu. deem i sseAr fu i ierton.edu
Observations of limpet shell growth patterns can reveal a discontinuous history correlated
with change in microhabitat by the limpet. We discovered a striking example of this
phenomenon in the shield limpet Lottia pelta. This limpet has been noted to sometimes live on
the stipe of the feather boa kelp, Egregia menziesii, displaying an amazing convergence in shell
appearance to L. insessa, a limpet that specializes on grazing E. menziesii. At sites where we
have noted a high proportion of L. pelta on feather boa kelp, notably Pt. Fermin on the Palos
Verdes Peninsula in southern California, we have also found a high proportion of larger L. pelta
individuals living under the higher intertidal rockweed Silvetia compressa whose shells revealed
a history of habitat shift from feather boa kelp to rockweed. Specifically, their older (top) portion
of the shell resembles the morphology of L. pelta residing on feather boa kelp and the younger
(bottom) portion of the shell resembles “normal” rock morphs of L. pelta residing under the
rockweed. Through the use of mitochondrial 16S DNA sequencing, limpets collected from both
microhabitats have been confirmed in their identity. From these data and from field observations
at multiple localities, we predict that the proportion of L. pelta versus L. insessa found inhabiting
feather boa stipes to be greatest at sites that also have abundant rockweed nearby, and at least at
Pt. Fermin, which has abundant rockweed, they are the most common limpet found on feather
boa kelp. In contrast, several southern and central California sites lacking rockweed were
observed to have only L. insessa on feather boa kelp. The implication of our study is that limpets
might play an under-appreciated role affecting long-term algal abundance, especially if their
habitat shifts might be related to destructive grazing of their associated algal species. Unlike L.
pelta, the specialist grazer L. insessa does not appear to migrate off feather boa stipes to rocks;
and has previously been reported to be an “annual” species with fast growth and reproduction.
Interestingly, a conspicuous and consistent difference in the shell color (black with white spots)
and profile (with a hooked apex) of tiny L. insessa juveniles compared with adults might have
suggested that they migrate to this alga from a different microhabitat. However, we confirmed
earlier reports that newly settled juveniles appear to instead settle directly on feather boa stipes,
especially in abandoned adult feeding scars, so the shift in appearance must require different
explanations. Perhaps the color shift to solid brown reflects an increasing incorporation of plant
pigments into their shell as they feed and grow.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
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Collective Action, Ecological Activism, and Environmental Quality: Evidence of Native
Freshwater Mussels without Invasive Bivalves, in Deep Fallen Leaf Lake, Near Invasive
and Native Bivalves of Lake Tahoe, California
Christopher L. Kitting1, Scott Cassell2, and Elizabeth Bergman3
'Biological Sciences, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA 94542 USA
chris.kitting@csueastbav.edu
2Undersea Voyager Project, 26 Nottingham Court, Napa, CA 94558
scottcasseil@3ive.com
Political Sciences, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA 94542 USA
Abstract
Invasive plant and animal species continue to be spread by humans, with alarming rates
and consequences. Native aquatic species and waterways of California are at risk, possibly more
so, as an historically arid region of the globe. Invasive Corbicula clams and invasive aquatic
plants already are widespread, including large Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada. More invasive
species, especially zebra and quagga mussels, plus New Zealand mud snails are threats,
particularly at Lake Tahoe. Similar, apparently native species (Hershler et al. 2007) make
monitoring or eradicating some of these small mollusks especially difficult.
Yet a sizable, similar lake very near Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, reportedly is free of
invasive aquatic species. Thus, that aquatic environment may reflect historical ecological
communities in such Sierra Lakes.
A network of concerned citizens, including local, long-time residents, has been able to
keep their lake essentially free of invasive aquatic species, without support nor involvement of
government and other agencies. They successfully established education-based policies and
installed a hot- water (140-degree F = 65 degrees C) wash and inspection station at their boat
launch ramp, preventing boats from moving invasive species from Lake Tahoe. Invasive milfoil
plants quickly became visibly “cooked” upon contact with such water.
In Fallen Leaf Lake in May, 2009, our ecological surveys found no evidence of invasive
aquatic species. We found rare evidence of native freshwater mussels, Anodonta californiensis
without invasive bivalves, at ~40-m depths, >5 m deeper than benthic algae in this 200-m-deep
Fallen Leaf Lake. Analogous surveys detected invasive Corbicula clams and native mussels
near the Truckee River Mouth into Lake Tahoe. Our subtidal surveys down to 150 ft (~50m)
depths relied on Undersea Voyager’s quiet, two-person submersible, SeaMobile. Low-light
cameras detected animals and plants without disturbance, with resolution and sensitivity
exceeding the human eye.
We use Lubell’s contractual perspective of local policy networks as public goods to
explain how the Fallen Leaf Lake citizen network was able to develop and maintain its. own
collaborative network to govern its environmental commons, without government assistance.
Local residents were gratified to learn more about their Lake, more empowered to keep
invasive aquatic species out of Fallen Leaf Lake. Their approach may be a model for other
communities, to implement ecological improvements in our vulnerable environment.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
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Introduction
Humans have become the most important selective force on the planet (Palumbi, 2001).
That tends to be bad, but perhaps we can find ways to make human’s influence a GOOD one.
“Sufficient evidence has emerged of stratigraphically significant change (both elapsed and
imminent) for recognition of the Anthropocene [Epoch]. “ (Zalasiewicz et al. 2008). Progress in
linking ecological work and policy has become urgent, as natural resources become depleted yet
use of those resources is increasing, especially in California, becoming densely populated with
very mobile humans.
Environmental sustainability among dense human populations has become among the
“greatest challenges to the long-term environmental quality of the nation” (National Science
Foundation, 2009). A combination of solutions for conservation and environmental restoration
may be necessary as soon as possible; these multidisciplinary problems of resource losses, and
needs for enhanced environmental protection and management, require multidisciplinary
solutions (Kitting 2007).
Our 2009 Western Society of Malacologists Environmental Management Symposium,
“The Interface of Human and Molluscan Ecology,” unites several practical and economic levels
of importance of Mollusca, convenient to assess even from common, previously deposited shells,
and often economically valuable for food, food webs, and shells themselves.
Invasive plant and animal species, including many mollusks, continue to be spread by
humans, with alarming rates and consequences, environmentally and immediately economically.
Native aquatic species and waterways of often dry California are at risk. As a historically arid
region of the globe, with especially over-exploited water resources, California may be even more
vulnerable to invasive mollusks and other organisms that may explode out of control in our
California habitats, and in the absence of natural enemies, displace our natives and clog critical
waterways. Trailered boats and other equipment appear to transport aquatic invasive species
accidentally, such as from invaded Colorado River Reservoirs (California Department of Fish
and Game, 2009); invasive Corbicula fluminea asian clams and invasive aquatic plants already
are widespread, including large Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada. Sousa et al. (2008) review the
ecology of Corbicula fluminea. More invasive species, especially zebra mussels ( Dreissena
polymorpha) and quagga mussels {Dreissena rostriformis bugensis ), plus New Zealand mud
snails ( Potamopyrgus antipodarum ), are threats, particularly at Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe also has established populations of invasive Curlyleaf Pondweed
{Potamogeton crispus) and Eurasian watermilfoil {Myriophyllum spicatum) plants (with ecology
reviewed by Eiswerth et al. 2002).
Yet a similar, though smaller and more isolated lake is only 2 km from Lake Tahoe (35
km long), Fallen Leaf Lake (4.6 km long), and reportedly is free of invasive aquatic species.
Such an aquatic environment might reflect historical ecological communities in these Sierra
Lakes. We asked how a lake so close to busy, invaded Lake Tahoe, could remain relatively free
of invasive species.
Analogous questions, without clear answers, about managing growing effects of humans
on natural preserves were introduced in a symposium to celebrate the centennial of Yosemite
National Park, including Kitting & Echeverria (1991).
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
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Methods
We surveyed both ends and a side of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake shores, with
wading, snorkeling, SCUBA, and a two-person research submarine (Fig. 1), primarily throughout
May, 2009 (Ramirez & Kitting, 2009) and in August, 2009. We included inspections and
imaging of submerged rocks, wood, sand, and silt.
Our deepest surveys down to 150 ft (~50m) depths relied on Undersea Voyager’s quiet,
two-person submersible, “SeaMobile,” and its 360-degree view, even at close range, on sediment
and submerged wood and rock. Low-light cameras, including a Nikon D700, detected animals
and algae without disturbance, with resolution and sensitivity exceeding the human eye. (A flash
was impractical in the spherical glass hull.)
We also surveyed shallow Glen Alpine Creek into Fallen Leaf Lake and Taylor Creek,
flowing out to Lake Tahoe, via wading, for invasive species during summer, 2009. Small,
remote lakes with few humans and no roads are upstream of Fallen Leaf Lake, probably
minimizing invasive species from upstream. We also exchanged mutually instructive interviews
and surveyed documents with numerous human passers-by, throughout these ecological surveys.
Results
In Lake Tahoe, invasive Asian clams, Corbicula fluminea , and its dead shells were the
most common mollusks, although patchy. The native freshwater mussel shells California floater,
Anodonta calif orniensis, were common particularly near the mouth of upper Truckee River, after
flowing into South Lake Tahoe.
In Fallen Leaf Lake, our ecological surveys found no evidence of invasive aquatic plants
nor invertebrates, other than “signal crayfish” introduced from the Pacific Northwest
(Pacifastacus leniusculus). We found rare evidence of native freshwater mussels, Anodonta
californiensis, without invasive bivalves, at up to ~40-m depths, >5 m deeper than visible
benthic algae in this 200-m-deep Fallen Leaf Lake. Uniquely observed in Fallen Leaf Lake,
unusual colonial ciliates with symbiotic unicellular algae, together being identified as Ophrydium
versatile, were common on shallower portions of submerged trees, near 10-meter depths.
Unlike in Lake Tahoe, no submerged aquatic plants were found in Fallen Leaf Lake. In
particular, invasive Curlyleaf Pondweed ( Potamogeton crispus) and Eurasian watermilfoil
( Myriophyllum spicatum ) evidently remain absent in Fallen Leaf Lake, a very unusual feat in
California lakes. One gets the idea that this Lake probably resembles historical conditions of
Sierra Lakes, more so than other lakes populated with humans.
A local network of concerned citizens, including local, long-time residents, has been able
to keep their lake essentially free of invasive aquatic species, with significant effort by their
“Community Area Advisory Committee.” Without support nor routine involvement of
government and other agencies, these cohesive local citizens successfully use community
education to establish policies and install an unusual hot- water (140-degree F = 65 degrees C)
wash and inspection station (Fig. 2) at their boat launch ramp, which serves many boats from a
single small road, including those moving possible invasive species from Lake Tahoe. Hot water
is required to wash even inside boat motors, via a clamp for the motor’s cooling water intakes.
In our observations, milfoil plants adhering to a boat trailer quickly became visibly
“cooked” and limp upon significant contact with such 140-degree water. (That temperature
reflects temperatures of motor cooling water inside the motor, so it would not overheat a motor
very quickly.)
At the other end of the lake, campers very near Lake Tahoe can carry kayaks into Fallen
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 28
Leaf Lake. That end of the lake’s jurisdiction, the US Forest Service, reportedly removed the
citizen’s signs about required inspections and washing, as it was not the Service’s policy (yet?).
Discussions with the local citizens continue there.
Glen Alpine Creek into Fallen Leaf Lake and Taylor Creek, flowing out to Lake Tahoe,
showed similar algae populations, with introduced crayfish, but no detectable mollusca nor
invasive plants. Other valuable features of a relatively non-invaded lake appear to include native
Lahontan cutthroat trout, extinct from Tahoe since the 1930s, but still remaining in Fallen Leaf
Lake.
Discussion
Unlike most regions in densely populated California, Fallen Leaf Lake appears small and
isolated enough to have long-term, cohesive residents, often in cabins established by their
parents or grandparents, interested in long-term sustainability of their lake, rather than the usual
short-term exploitation rampant in today’s economy and way of life. Fallen-Leaf Lake’s inter-
generational view of real sustainability, to leave a suitable environment for their children and
grandchildren, as they received, is analogous to other presentations in this human-molluscan
interaction symposium, dealing with cooperative, inherited, family-zoned fisheries (e.g., Caceres
Martinez & Benitez Torres, 2009).
At least here at Fallen Leaf Lake, previous, broad command-and-control policies became
second to community-based, less coercive, local solutions to policy problems. These networks,
as Lubell et al. (2003) called them, form the core of largely new governing structures that are
highly interdependent and involve multiple entities.
Networks that transcend traditional geographic or political jurisdictions might become
increasingly important to manage environmental commons effectively, at least under conditions
found around Fallen Leaf Lake.
Lubell’s contractual perspective of local policy networks as public goods can explain
how the Fallen Leaf Lake citizen network was able to develop and maintain its own collaborative
network to govern its environmental commons, without government assistance.
In observing our research there, and hearing about our results in small and large forums,
local residents were gratified to learn more about their Lakes, more empowered to keep invasive
aquatic species out of Fallen Leaf Lake, and further invasive species out of Lake Tahoe. Their
approach at Fallen Leaf Lake may be a model for other communities, to implement ecological
improvements in our vulnerable environment.
This relatively isolated study area of Fallen Leaf Lake, and maybe analogous habitats,
can serve as a living laboratory with diverse scientists, students, policy makers, and other
residents working together to enhance our success in environmental management, and
understanding of how interactions between humans and their ecosystem influence fates of natural
environments, and subsequent, suitable policies and practices, as multidisciplinary adaptive
management.
Clearly, education and other communication is important here among multiple agencies
and less formal groups (after Kitting, 2007), including recreation. We are finding that suitable
illustrations and metaphors assist this effective communication to diverse audiences, as formal
and informal students of all ages. It will be a challenge to make this new Anthropocene Epoch a
good one.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 29
Acknowledgements
We thank Hans Bertsch, Tom, Sid, and Carrie Loomis, Peri Best, Shouyu Chen, the
Coulter Family, Ivo Kocherscheidt, Letttie Ramirez, Nathan Garofalos, others behind Undersea
Voyager Project, Stephenie Wasilewski, Vincent Wang, Camp CONCORD, City of Concord,
Ron Yoshiyama, CSU East Bay’s Freshwater Environments Class, Terry Smith, Jack Sullins,
Phil Garbutt, Jim Allen, Sam McGinnis, Robert Drewes, US Forest Service, and Tahoe-Baikal
Institute, for assistance making this work possible.
Literature Cited
Caceres Martinez, C. and A. Benitez Torres. 2009. Mother of pearl carving work to establish
family enterprises in San Pedro Mexico and Agua Amarga, BCS, Mexico. Western Society of
Malacologists, Annual Report 42.
California Department of Fish and Game. 2009. Invasive Species Program.
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/.
Eiswerth, M.E., S. G. Donaldson, and W. S. Johnson. 2000. Potential Environmental Impacts
and Economic Damages of Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum ) in Western Nevada
and Northeastern California. Weed Technology 14:51 1-518.
Hershler R., C. Davis, C.L. Kitting, and H. Liu, 2007. Discovery of introduced and cryptogenic
Cochliopid gastropods in San Francisco Estuary, California. Journal of Molluscan Studies,
Oxford University Press. 73: 323-332.
Kitting, C.L. 2007. Broadening Education Toward Environmental Restoration, as Short-Term
and Cost-Effective Long-Term Solutions to Global Climate Disruption. Forum on Public Policy
3:343-352.
Kitting, C.L. and S.W. Echeverria. 1991. "Status of San Francisco Bay Eelgrass." 17th
Proceedings of Natural Areas Assoc. Yosemite Centennial Symposium: 288- 395.
Lubell, M., M. Schneider, J. Scholz, and M. Mete. 2002. Watershed Partnerships and the
Emergence of Collective Action Institutions. American Journal of Political Science. 46: 148 -
163.
National Science Foundation. 2009. ULTRA-EX Program Description.
Palumbi, S.R. 2001. Humans as the World's Greatest Evolutionary Force. Science 293: 1786-
1790.
Ramirez, L. and C.L. Kitting. 2009. From a Submarine to the Classroom: From Theory to
Practice. CCNews, California Council on Teacher Education 20 (3): 1 & 12-13.
http ://www. ccte . org/newsletters/fall2009ccne ws .pdf.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 30
Sousa, R., C. Antunes, and L. Guilhermino. 2008. Ecology of the invasive Asian clam
Corbicula fluminea (Muller, 1774) in aquatic ecosystems: an overview. Ann. Limnol. Int. J.
Lim. 44: 85-94.
Zalasiewicz, J., et al. 2008. Are we now living in the Anthropocene? GSA Today (Geological
Society of America) 18: 4-8.
Figure 1. Undersea Voyager Project’s two-person submersible with Captain Cassell and
scientist Kitting, surfacing after a dive in Fallen Leaf Lake, with diver support by Tom Loomis.
A fogged sphere indicates the dehumidifier was spent by the end of this dive.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 3 1
Figure 2. Unusual hot-water wash (including water intakes of motors) and inspection station
required of all vessels launching in rather isolated Fallen Leaf Lake, near Lake Tahoe. Invasive
plants and animals are common in Lake Tahoe, as in other California lakes. The boat ramp,
adjacent, was locked until wash and inspection were passed.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
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Algal Host Shifts Drive Speeiation and Morphological Divergence
in Herbivorous Sea Slugs
Patrick J. Krug , Albert Rodriguez , Danielle Y. Trathen , and Cynthia D. Trowbridge"
'Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, California, 90032, U.S.A.
pkrug@caistatela.edu
2Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, P.O. Box 1995, Newport, Oregon, U.S.A.
sacoglossajiis@vmail.com
Marine taxa were traditionally thought to speciate in allopatry, but recent phylogenetic
studies of diverse molluscs reveal that sister species often co-occur along a coastline or within an
ocean basin. Identifying ecological mechanisms that promote isolation and divergence may lead
to a new paradigm for speeiation in the sea. We are reconstructing the evolutionary history of
herbivorous sea slugs in the group Sacoglossa, examining how algal host fidelity has shifted
among lineages and contributed to species formation. A molecular phylogeny based on four
genes will be presented for the Placobranchacea, comprising the two major lineages of derived
sacoglossans. Within this phylogenetic framework, Bayesian methods were used to reconstruct
the ancestral host of each clade, and to identify branches on which host shifts occurred. We
focus on the Placobranchoidea, a group containing all species that harbor photosynthetically
active chloroplasts such as the speciose genus Elysia. Our analyses reveal a series of progressive
host shifts among the major clades of Elysia, followed by radiations within basins onto diverse
hosts. Allopatric sister species were also recovered, but show striking morphological stasis when
both members feed on the same host alga. In contrast, host shifting is correlated with rapid
diversification in external morphology and dorsal vessel venation. New hosts likely act as
distinct selective environments, favoring novel characteristics as lineages adapt to differences in
algal chemistry, chloroplast integrity, and cell wall composition. Ecological associations may
thus drive speeiation and diversification in the ocean, as in terrestrial taxa such as ectoparasites
and phytophagous insects.
Slug Sex, Reproductive Interference, and Allee Effects
at a Shifting Range Boundary
Angela S. Llaban and Patrick J. Krug
California State University Los Angeles, Department of Biological Sciences, Los Angeles, California 90032
ang.Haban@gmail.com . pkrug@calstatela.edu
At the edge of a species’ range, low densities and competition from related species may
result in negative Allee effects (density-dependent reduction in fitness). We studied how
interactions between two marine gastropods contribute to their seasonally fluctuating range
boundary in San Francisco Bay. The sister species Alderia modesta and Alderia willowi alternate
in abundance throughout the year, where high recruitment of one species usually precedes local
extinction of the other. We manipulated densities in lab experiments to test whether mating by
hypodermic insemination allows the more common species to decrease fitness of the rarer
species, by tissue damage or flooding with incompatible sperm. Within each species, higher
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 33
densities resulted in lower reproductive output due to costs of mating by hypodermic
insemination. Negative interactions between the sister species were asymmetric: higher densities
of A. modesta lowered the fitness of A. willowi, whereas higher densities of A. willowi did not
affect A. modesta. The larger A. modesta inflicts substantial damage on the smaller A. willowi
during mating, and may thus inhibit colonization or accelerate the extinction of the few A.
willowi that survive the winter rainy season. Molecular analysis of offspring produced during lab
mating trials showed no introgression of species-specific nuclear alleles, and we found no
evidence of hybridization in field populations containing both species. Presence of conspecific
egg masses induced greater egg production, suggesting additional Allee effects may result if
pheromones that cue oviposition are not encountered when slug densities are low.
Revision of World Liotiidae, Recent and Fossil (Gastropoda: Vetigasfropoda)
James H. McLean
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County,
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90007 USA
imciean@nhm.org
The family Liotiidae, a basal group of intricately sculptured, turbiniform Vetigastropods,
has long been neglected and is overdue for revision. Liotiidae are characterized by a nacreous
interior, thickened final lip, lamellar micro-sculpture, and an unusual calcified operculum. The
family includes a few moderately large species (maximum diameter 25 mm), some that are
micro-gastropods of 2 mm in diameter, and others representing all intermediate sizes. Only a few
species are common; most species have narrow distributions and some are known only from the
originally described material.
The primary objective of this revision is to analyze generic level characters, and to
provide a revised generic classification of living and fossil genera. The secondary objective is to
describe the large number of new species that have been recognized in museum collections,
many of which are from field studies and ongoing expedition programs, particularly the Tropical
Deep-Sea Benthos program of the Paris Museum.
Unlike the operculum of colloniids, in which the inner side of the calcareous operculum
has a paucispiral pattern, the inner side of the liotiid operculum is corneous and shows no pattern
of volutions. The outer surface has a long growing edge and numerous multispiral volutions on a
corneous base holding a continuous calcareous coil with pustules on the exposed surface;
corneous tufts project between the volutions. Radular, epipodial, and ctenidial characters are
plesiomorphic and similar to these structures in such other basal vetigastropods as the
Colloniidae and some Skeneidae. Characters of the liotiid radula and external anatomy are so
uniform that they are uninformative for classification and phylogeny. However, shell
morphology provides an abundance of characters useful for generic and specific determination
and for the provision of a working classification.
Two subfamilies are now recognized, the Liotiinae and Areneinae, which are defined on
shell color, dominance of axial or spiral sculpture, other sculptural elements, complexity of the
final lip, and opercular distinctions. Early records of both subfamilies are first known with
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 34
certainty from the Late Cretaceous of Europe and the Caribbean. Extinct genera and species of
all sizes and with intricate sculpture are well represented in the Eocene of France and adjacent
regions. Genera are grouped geographically, because their distributions and trends in shell
morphology are restricted to faunal regions.
The largest subfamily and the one with the best fossil record is the Liotiinae,
characterized by white* shells with no color pattern, with strong primary sculpture of both axial
and spiral elements, and an elaborate development of the final lip in some genera, and the surface
of the operculum with pointed calcareous projections. This subfamily - which includes nearly all
of the Eocene species - is most diverse in genera and species in the Indo-West Pacific, with a
smaller number of genera in temperate Australia (also including New Zealand and the Kermadec
Islands), the Eastern Pacific, and the Western Atlantic. A number of the Indo-Pacific genera are
characteristic of bathyal depths, unlike other regions that have little or no bathyal representation
of the family. Many Indo-Pacific genera of Liotiinae have a strong periumbilical cord with deep
pits on the outer side; another shell form develops a spur, a strong cord emerging from the
umbilicus that connects to the outer lip. Genera of the Eastern Pacific and Western Atlantic do
not develop strongly projecting terminal lips, instead usually having a clumping of axial
sculpture in preterminal stages.
The less speciose subfamily is the Areneinae, usually having smaller shells with a color
pattern, with spiral sculpture dominant, the operculum with oblong calcareous elements, and
with the final lip less thickened than that of Liotiinae. Genera of Areneinae are best represented
in the tropical Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, with lesser representation in southern and
western Africa and even fewer genera in the Indo-Pacific.
Over the last 20 years, I have come to realize that this family is far more diverse than I
had originally estimated. Illustrations have been prepared for 410 recognized species, both living
and extinct, of which 260 are to be described as new. These species are to be assigned to 95
living and extinct genera, all but 1 8 of which are also to be described as new. Once the alpha
taxonomy to be provided by this revision is in place, a phylogenetic assessment of the Liotiidae
can be accomplished by future workers using the techniques of molecular genetics.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
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Genetic Traceability: A Feasible Tooi for Mexican Abalone Products
Omar Mendoza Porras , Felipe Aguilera Munoz , Pamela Prieto Araya ,
Cristian Gallardo Escarate , and Miguel Angel Del Rio Portilla
1 Departamento de Acuicultura,
Centro de Investigation Cientlfica y de Education Superior de Ensenada, CICESE,
Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California 22800, Mexico
omendoza@cicese.irix
Laboratorio de Genetica y Biotecnologia Aculcola, Departamento de Oceanografia,
Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanograficas, Centro de Biotecnologia,
Universidad de Concepcion, Casilla 160-C, Concepcion, Chile
The authentication of canned Mexican red. Haliotis rufescens, and blue, Haliotis fulgens,
abalones was determined by means of genetic traceability using a combination of the universal
16SAR/16SBR primers and another specific primer for the Haliotidae family, 16HalR. As a
positive control, fresh DNA extraction of H. rufescens was used. The amplification of this set of
primers produced fragments between 320 and 350bp for both abalone species. To determine the
specificity of these primers PCR assays were performed with canned Concholepas concholepas,
with fresh and canned giant keyhole limpet Megathura crenulata and with geoduck clam
Panopea spp. Positive amplification was obtained with all non-abalone species when the
universal 16SAR/16SBR primers were used. However, when the 16HalR was used with the
16SAR primer, no fragment amplification was obtained for these species. To determinate the
quality of the extracted DNA, 16S PCR assays were executed using the universal set of primer
16SAR and 16SBR obtaining a fragment of about 550bp for fresh H. rufescens; 500bp for
Panopea spp and 550bp for keyhole limpet. In some cases of canned abalone, a 16S fragment of
550bp corresponding to Haliotidae organisms was not amplified, probably due to damaged DNA
during the canning process. A multiplex system using a mixing of universal 16S oligonucleotides
and specific 16Hal (forward and reverse) primers is under evaluation. The use of the 16S region
for traceability is discussed.
Biostratigraphy of the Northern Monterey Bay Section of the Purisima Formation (Late
Miocene-Late Pliocene), Santa Cruz County, California
1 9
Charles L. Powell, II and Frank Perry
1 U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025 USA
cpoweli@usgs.gov
2 Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz, California 95062 USA
The beautifully exposed stratigraphic section of the Purisima Formation in the sea cliffs
along much of northern Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz County, and coastal central California, has
been well studied and dated, but the biostratigrapy of its abundant invertebrate fauna has not
been previously documented. Here we recognize the possibly late Miocene to early Pliocene La
Honda biozone and the younger probable middle Pliocene Santa Cruz biozones. These shallow
(< 50 m), marine biozones were previously recognized elsewhere in the Purisima Formation by
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 36
Powell (1998, USGS OFR 98-594; http://pubsMsgs.gov/of/i998/om-594/oTV8-594 2a.pdf).
They were originally described as faunas from scattered outcrops and collections made mostly in
San Mateo County and north. Using 157 collections from the California Academy of Sciences,
the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the University of California at
Berkeley, we document mega-invertebrate fossil occurrences and recognize the aforementioned
biozones in northern Monterey Bay, which will aid in correlating these outcrops to other late
Miocene and Pliocene faunas in southern and central California.
The lower La Honda biozone occurs from about 70 to 140 m in the composite section
along northern Monterey Bay and contains the restricted occurrences of the bivalves Chione,
Clinocardium meekianum, Lituyapecten purisimaensis, Nuttallia jamesi, Protothaca staleyi,
Swiftopecten parmeleei, and Tresus pajaroana. The upper Santa Cruz biozone occurs from
about 140 to 248 m in the composite section and contains the restricted biozones of the bivalve
Pseudocardium densatum, and the echinoiu Scutellaster and possibly also by the bivalves
Nanaochalmys nutteri and Swiftopecten parmeleei and gastropod Nucella imperialis. These taxa
do not occur throughout the entire zone and are restricted only to small parts of it. Other taxa,
specifically the gastropods Beringuis stantoni, Caesia grammatus, Calyptraea spp., Demondia
californicus , Lirabuccinum portolaensis, and Ophiodermella graciosana occur in the upper part
of the La Honda biozone and throughout the Santa Cruz biozone. The occurrence of
Lituyapecten purisimaensis in the La Honda biozone in northern Monterey Bay supports a
previous (Powell, 1998) supposition that it correlates, at least in part, with the probable early
Pliocene Pilar Point biozone of Powell (1998). The deeper water Pillar Point biozone (> 100 m)
is only recognized at Pillar Point in San Mateo County.
“Gastroclods”: Pleistocene Remnants from Pribilof Canyon
Michelle Ridgway and Nora Foster
1 Alaska Deep Ocean Science Institute PO Box 21 1470 Auke Bay, Alaska 99821 USA
mridgwav@aiaskadeepocean.org
(907) 957-2277
2NRF Taxonomic Services
Fairbanks, Alaska USA
swamprat@mosquitonet.com
(907)590-6261
Located about 60 km south of St. George Island, Pribilof Canyon descends abruptly from
the Bering Sea shelf break (about 160 m deep) to over 1,800 m, and is among the largest
undersea canyons in the world. During exploration of Pribilof Canyon in the summer of 2007,
submarine pilots observed a field of rounded, sedimentary masses lying on the silty mud seafloor
at 400 meters. Ridgway collected two of the mysterious fist-sized clods by hydraulic manipulator
arm. External examination revealed that the hardened sediment clods had polychaete worms,
colonial bryozoa, tiny Crustacea, and small Delectopecten sp. scallops adhering to surface grains.
To illuminate potentially fragile contents, the clods were examined using mammogram-imaging
technology. Resulting imagery revealed one large, intact gastropod shell in each clod. The
gastropods were identified as Neptunea heros (Gray, 1850) and Buccinum scalariforme (Moller
1 842). Both are extant, abundant and widely distributed in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 37
seas.
Calcium carbonate leached from each of the thinned gastroclod shell nuclei, solidified
these concreted sediment masses. The incipient concretions contained sea ice diatoms and
shallow benthic microalgal taxa. These extinct microflora indicate that the samples date from the
end of the last glacial (or ca. 15,000 to 25,000 BP) event in Beringia. Radiocarbon analysis of the
Buccinum shell corroborated the more recent range of dates estimated based upon diatoms
(15,380 BP).
The typical distribution of the two gastropods suggests that the “gastroclods” originated
in areas shallower than the 400 m depth where collected. Perhaps they originated in shallow
upper layers (0-200 m) and rolled down or were moved during a subsidence or sloughing of the
canyon walls. It is also possible that they originated in shallows and were redistributed by
seasonal sea ice gouging, or possibly were dislodged and swept into depths via fishing nets.
The suite of specimens collected on surfaces and within these ‘gastroclod’ concretions
provides information about nearshore subtidal habitats and paleoclimate records at the southern
extent of Beringia during the last glacial maximum. This period is critical to further our
understanding of the coastal ecosystem during human migrations, a period that is conspicuously
absent of archaeological evidence.
Production of Egg Masses in Enclosure Areas by Adult Milk Conch
Strombus costatus (Gmelin) in the Contoy Island National Park,
Quintana Roo, Mexico
Luis Alfonso Rodriguez Gil, Daniel Blanqueto Cordova, Carlos Francisco Reyes Sosa, Sara
Nahuat Dzib, Jose Luis Giorgana Figueroa, and Ramiro Alpizar Carrillo
Instituto Tecnologico de Merida, Departamento de Ingenieria Quimica y Bioquimica,
Laboratorio de Aprovechamiento de Recursos Marinos, Merida, Mexico
luis rdzgil@tiotiTiail.com. luisrdzgii@aoi.com
In the state of Quintana Roo, the north and central zones are closed in all seasons because
they were overexploited. Fishing conch in the south zone is restricted by a closed season, a
fishing quota, and the prohibition of all forms of scuba diving (skin, or free, diving is allowed).
Today the resource has a different recuperation strategy. In addition to the existing fishing
regulations, mariculture can be used to recover the overexploited resource population.
The purpose of this study is to quantify the density-dependent structure that controls
reproduction in enclosure areas with adult conchs of the species Strombus costatus (Gmelin).
The experimental design consisted of two variables (area and male: female ratio), with areas of
20 and 40 m and male:female ratios of 2:5, 2:10, and 2:15, with two replicas, yielding 12
experimental units totaling 360 m2. In the period from May to August, the total production of
the enclosure areas were 521 egg masses and approximately 102 million larvae. The sex ratio of
2:15 in the 20 m area had the best results, with 145 egg masses and an estimated 27 million
larvae.
i
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
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Nitric Oxide Signaling Regulates Larvai Metamorphosis in a
Host-specialized Sea Slug
Melissa R. Romero and Patrick J. Krug
California State University, Los Angeles, Department of Biology, Los Angeles, California 90032 USA
mromero@calstatela.edu. pkrug@calstateia.edu
Marine invertebrates produce planktonic larvae that settle indiscriminately at a certain
age, or selectively in response to environmental cues of habitat suitability. In diverse animals, the
timing of metamorphosis is regulated by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Inhibition of NOS reduces
nitric oxide (NO) and its downstream second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate
(cGMP), and triggers metamorphosis in species with no environmental cue. We investigated
whether the NO pathway regulates metamorphosis in larvae of a host specialist, the sea slug
Alderia willowi, which expresses an unusual dimorphism: some larvae from an egg mass
spontaneously metamorphose upon hatching, while the remainder metamorphose only after
encountering a cue from the adult host algae. Pharmacological reduction of NO and cGMP
increased spontaneous metamorphosis among newly hatched larvae. Inhibition of NO did not
trigger metamorphosis in older larvae, but potentiated their dose-response to habitat cues: larvae
had increased sensitivity to the algal cue when NO signaling was suppressed. These findings also
suggest a mechanism for maternal control over the proportion of spontaneous metamorphosis:
regulation of the per-egg amount of L-arginine, the substrate for NOS. Under optimal conditions,
mothers could decrease arginine causing a higher percentage of larvae to metamorphose without
dispersing. However, a mother’s ability to vary the habitat choice behavior of her offspring may
be constrained because the same pathway controls spontaneous and environmentally-cued
metamorphosis. Mothers that reduce the amount of spontaneous metamorphosis can adaptively
increase dispersal among their offspring, but may consequently produce less choosy larvae that
settle in response to weaker habitat cues.
Survival at the Edge: Ecophysiology and Range Limits of Alderia
Elizabeth L. Shimer and Patrick J. Krug
California State University, Los Angeles, Department of Biology, Los Angeles, California 90032 USA
eshimer@calstatela.edu. pkrdg@caistatela.edu
Despite the fundamental importance of range limits in ecology and evolution, little is
known about the factors that set geographical limits in marine animals. The sea slugs Alderia
modesta and A. willowi respectively occur north and south of San Francisco Bay, where they
seasonally alternate in abundance. At this dynamic range boundary, Alderia modesta displaces
A. willowi after winter rains, and A. willowi recolonizes after peak summer temperatures. We
tested whether the sister species differ in tolerance to high temperature and low salinity across
three life-history stages by simulating a series of stressful low-tide events in lab assays. Egg
masses, larvae and adults of the northern species A. modesta survived in water down to 8 ppt. In
contrast, egg masses of A. willowi experienced 50% mortality at 16 ppt and larvae died below 12
ppt. Survival analysis confirmed that adults differed in their physiological tolerance: A. modesta
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 39
survived repeated exposure to nearly fresh water (2 ppt) whereas salinities below 4 ppt were fatal
to most A. willowi. Conversely, some A. willowi survived repeated exposure to 34°C, but A.
modesta did not survive one exposure to 32°C. These thresholds are consistent with observed
die-offs of A. modesta in the field in 2008 and 2009, when mud surface temperatures exceeded
32°C. Physiological tolerance for different environmental stressors therefore sets the range limits
of Alderia spp., and may determine future range shifts in response to warming trends and
predicted changes in estuarine hydrology.
Early to Middle Pliocene Mollusks from the Lower Part of the Towsley Formation, Wiley
Canyon, Northern Santa Susana Mountains, Los Angeles County, California
Richard L. Squires
Department of Geological Sciences, California State University, Northridge, California 91330-8266 USA
richard.squires@csun.&du
Macrofossils and microfossils are very rare in the Towsley Formation that crops out on the
north side of the Santa Susana Mountains (SSM) for 20 km, from the San Fernando Pass (SFP),
Los Angeles County, westward to just west of Smith Canyon, Ventura County. Based on
localities described by Winterer and Durham (1962), all authors have reported that the age of this
formation in this area is late Miocene to early Pliocene or early late Pliocene. These localities,
however, cannot be verified as to their location, stratigraphic position, or faunal content; hence
the age of the formation in the SSM is equivocal. The recent discovery by the author of a new
locality in the lower part of the formation in Wiley Canyon, five km west of the SFP, therefore,
is significant.
The Towsley Formation in Wiley Canyon is 780 m thick and consists of interbedded
siltstone, sandstone, and conglomerate, all deposited as submarine-fan turbidites. The new
locality is 262 m above the base of the formation. Fossils are exposed in a cliff face and are
widely scattered along strike for 30 m in a 3 -m thick channelized conglomeratic sandstone with
clasts up to small boulder-size. To the east, the beds are covered by thick vegetation, and to the
west, the beds are overturned and abruptly covered by slope wash in a kink-folded area on the
north flank of the northeast-vergent, overturned Pico Anticline, which is coincident with the
north side of the SSM.
Repeated collecting at the new locality yielded 1 1 gastropod and 3 bivalve species.
Specimens are very weathered. Identifiable species are the gastropods Astraea ( Pomaulax )
gradata Grant & Gale, 1931, Ficus ( Trophosycon ) ocoyana (Conrad, 1835), Calicantharus
humerous (Gabb, 1 869), Nassarius ( Catilon ) hamlini (Arnold, 1907), and Cancellaria tritonidea
Gabb, 1866, all normally shallow-marine dwellers. Although their shells obviously have been
transported, the distance of post-mortem transport was not great because the shells are
unabraded. Based on concurrent-range zones, these species indicate an early to middle Pliocene
age. The specimens are stored at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History,
Invertebrate Paleontology Collection.
Winterer, E. L. and D. L. Durham. 1962. Geology of southeastern Ventura basin, Los Angeles
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 40
County, California. U. S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 334-H, iv + pp. 2 /5-366.
Deep Water Mollusk Communities in the Southern California Bight
Wendy Enright Storms
City of San Diego Ocean Monitoring Program, Metropolitan Wastewater Department, Environmental Monitoring
and Technical Services Division, San Diego, CA
\vstorms@sandiego.gov
The City of San Diego (CSD) has a regular sampling grid of benthic stations that it
monitors as part of its wastewater discharge permits for two ocean outfalls. These stations range
from depths of 18 to 1 16m and cover an area from off northern Point Loma south to Playa
Blanca in Baja California, Mexico. In general, the molluscan community found within these
habitats is well-described. As part of an enhanced ocean monitoring program, CSD also annually
samples randomly selected stations that extend the depth range sampled to over 200m.
Additionally, CSD participates in region-wide “Bight” projects that reached a maximum depth of
1023m during the Bight ’08 project begun in July 2008. Exploring these new habitats is
taxonomically exciting and challenging as new suites of organisms are encountered. To examine
the question of whether these new organisms were merely replacing shallow-water counterparts
or if community composition undergoes more fundamental changes with depth, molluscan
community structure was examined on the shelf (shallow: 10-30m, mid: 30-120m, & deep: 120-
200m) and slope (upper: 200-5 00m, lower: 500- 1000m) using sediment fines (silt and clay) of
more than 35% as a proxy for similar physical habitat type. In this study, abundance and
diversity decreased with increasing depth indicating factors beyond mere species substitution are
at work.
Comparative Phylogeography of Caribbean Sea Slugs with
Long-lived vs. Short-lived Larvae
Danielle Y. Trathen
Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, California, 90032, U.S.A.
danieilevtrathen@vahoo.com
Predicting patterns of gene flow is important for conservation and management of marine
animal populations. Biophysical coupling models have been developed for the Caribbean that
use ocean currents and the lifespan of planktonic larvae to predict whether populations will be
genetically connected or isolated. To test model predictions, we determined population genetic
structure for the sea slugs Elysia patina and E. zuleicae which have a 30-day planktonic larval
period. A portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene was sequenced for samples
from 13 Caribbean locations. Phylogenetically distinct clades were identified by Bayesian
Inference, and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) was used to determine realized gene
flow among islands. Despite its considerable potential for larval dispersal, Elysia patina had
surprisingly high population structure; clades were up to 10% divergent, and several were
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 4 1
restricted to one island. In contrast, the co-occurring E. zuleicae had little structure, but also
comprised two major clades that were 10% divergent. In contrast to published predictions from
oceanographic models, there was no east-west break across the Caribbean, but there were deep
barriers to gene flow among neighboring islands in the Bahamas. Larval life span is thus a poor
predictor of realized dispersal, and current models do not accurately predict larval exchange for
common Caribbean molluscs. Differences in larval behavior may explain why less migration has
occurred among populations of E. patina on historical and recent time scales, compared to other
Elysia spp.
A Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis of the Buccinidae (Mollusca: Neogastropoda)
of the North West Pacific
Jann Elizabeth Vendetti
Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Paleontology,
University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-4780 USA
iannv@berkelev.edu
Marine whelks (Family Buccinidae) are one of the most diverse, commercially important,
and widespread families of marine gastropods. The Pacific buccinid fauna of Japan alone
includes 344 species within ten putative subfamilies. This study’s aim was to use a molecular
approach to further resolve the phylogenetic relationships of North Pacific Buccinidae. Taxa
from North America (n=2) and Japan (n=21) were collected and sequenced for the mitochondrial
gene COl and the nuclear gene 28s. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using maximum
likelihood criteria (PhyML) and Bayesian inference (MrBayes). Combined (COl + 28s) and
single gene analyses were performed including and excluding Busycon species (Melongenidea
sensu Wade, 1917, and Buccinidae sensu Bouchet & Rocroi, 2005). Resulting tree topologies
suggest: (1) the inclusion of Busycon within the Buccinidae (sensu Bouchet & Rocroi, 2005), (2)
support for the Beringiiinae subfamily (Berigion + Japelion), (3) the monophyly of Neptunea and
Buccinum, (4) a sister-clade relationship between subfamilies Buccininae and Beringiinae, and
(5) an unresolved position of species within the genera Microfusus, Kelletia, Nassaria, and
Lirabuccinum. These results will be discussed with complimentary data from larval biology,
biogeography, and paleontology.
A Method for Replicating Bastropod Protoconchs for Morphological Analysis
Jann Elizabeth Vendetti
Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Paleontology,
University of Califomica, Berkeley, California 94720-4780 USA
iannvfa) berkeley.edu
Protoconchs are valuable indicators of larval developmental mode that are used by
malacologists in biology and paleontology. The maximum diameter and number of volutions of
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 42
the protoconch are considered especially important for inferring planktonic and non-planktonic
larval lifestyles. For example, a bulbous protoconch with few volutions suggests a non-
planktonic larva, while a high-spired protoconch with multiple whorls indicates a planktonic
veliger. High magnification imaging (e.g. SEM, variable pressure ESEM, CT scanning) is
necessary to analyze the detailed morphology of many gastropod protoconchs, but often
institutional SEM machines are not equipped to accommodate these specimens (>5mm).
Furthermore, practical considerations like time, effects of specimen mounting, loan permissions,
access to imaging facilities, and SEM or other imaging costs, impede the microscopic study of
original shell material.
Here I describe and depict a molding and casting method that conveniently, cost-
effectively, and precisely replicates intact gastropod protoconchs for SEM and other analyses.
The molding procedure can be done in the field, laboratory, or in museum collections, with
minimal equipment. Molding material is silicone-based, quick-setting, dimensionally stable,
easily portable, and harmless to most gastropod shells. Casting requires limited materials (epoxy
resin and a vacuum) and can be performed at the home institution or preparatory laboratory of
the researcher. The resulting casts are a convenient and practical alternative to original gastropod
shells when comparing microscopic morphology of protoconchs.
Homology Between Shells of Brachiopods and Early Molluscs
Michael J. Vendrasco
Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton,
P. O. Box 6850, Fullerton, CA 92834-6850 USA
mvendrasco@fullerton.edu
Many Cambrian (543-490 mya) fossils preserved by secondary calcium phosphate show
fine-scale detail of crystal form and arrangements in the shell. The data reveal that the earliest
known molluscan shells already had diverse and fairly complex microstructure (Vendrasco et al.,
2010). Moreover, the evidence from these fossils suggests that the shells of many Cambrian
molluscs had the microstructure known as calcitic semi-nacre, revealing a striking similarity
between the shells of early molluscs and calcitic brachopods, two lophotrochozoan taxa. Calcitic
semi-nacre was previously unknown in molluscs, but occurs in modem brachiopods.
Additional similarities between modem brachiopod and early mollusc shells include a
pore system and often loosely-ordered shell microstructures. Examination of modem molluscs
reveals additional similarities with brachiopods in the nature of: the shell-secreting tissue
(mantle); the organic outermost shell layer (periostracum); the complexity of the shell (layers of
different types of microstructure in one shell); the high proportion of organic material embedded
in the shell; and the types of shell microstructure (the major varieties of shell microstructure in
brachiopods are also seen in molluscs).
There are some distinct differences between the shells of brachiopods and molluscs, such
as the predominance of aragonite in molluscs versus calcite and calcium phosphate in
brachiopods, as well as apparent differences in how the shell forms in early development in these
two groups. However, the overall similarity between the shells of brachiopods and molluscs
suggests they may have a relatively high degree of homology. Although the common ancestor of
these two taxa probably lacked a mineralized shell, pre-skeletal brachiopods and molluscs may
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 43
have had a similar organic coat with homologous components that became independently co-
opted for shell formation, leading to the similarities described above. Subsequently, molluscs
appear to have evolved a greater ability to control mineralization and certainly ended up with a
greater diversity of shell microstructures than in brachiopods. This difference may have been
one of the reasons why molluscs since the end of the Paleozoic were more conspicuous,
abundant, and diverse than brachiopods.
Literature Cited
Vendrasco, M.J., S.M. Porter, A.V. Kouchinsky, G. Li and C.Z. Fernandez. 2010. Shell
microstructures in early mollusks. The Festivus 42(4): 43-54.
Phenotypic Plasticity in the Shell Morphology and Volume
of the Surfgrass Limpet, Lottia paleacea
Laney Whitlow and Douglas J. Eemisse
Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton, California 92834, USA
ianev.whitlo\v@grnail.corn. deemisse@fullerton.edu
Limpets in different microhabitats can vary dramatically in shell growth and morphology.
Limpet shell geometry is simple, so it can be related to the consequences of such phenotypic
plasticity. The surfgrass limpet, Lottia paleacea, shows a great example of phenotypic plasticity
in shell morphology. This limpet is restricted to living on either of two species of intertidal
surfgrass along the coast of California, Phyllospadix torreyi and P. scouleri which differ in the
blade width that constrains the limpet’s growth. The limpets that live on the narrower P. torreyi
are much more compressed laterally than on the wider P. scouleri. This change in shell
morphology can be examined using the volume of the limpets as a proxy for the change in width,
length and height of the limpets. The change in volume between the limpets that live on the two
different surfgrass species may impact the anatomy of the limpet as well as the life history of the
limpets. We predicted that limpets that live on P. torreyi would have a lower total volume than
those on P. scouleri. We tested this by directly measuring volume of water required to fill each
of 30 limpet shells selected to represent observed variation throughout California. We then
demonstrated that this volume could be effectively modeled as a pyramid as computed from
three maximum shell dimensions, (LWH)/3, so these measurements alone would allow an
approximate estimate of a surfgrass limpet’s internal volume. We then estimated the volume of
roughly 400 limpets from Cambria, California, found on both species of surfgrass. We found that
limpets that live on P. scouleri had a larger total volume than those on P. torreyi. Our next step
will be to relate estimated total volume to a calculation of each limpet’s gonad volume, inferred
from sectioning, in order to address the potential impact of phenotypic plasticity on life history
traits such as fecundity and body volume (= age?) at first reproduction.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 44
REPORTS OF SOCIETY BUSINESS
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
January 24, 2009
• WSM President Michael Vendrasco called the afternoon meeting to order (held during
the 2009 meeting of SCUM).
• Current and former WSM officers present included: Kelvin Barwick, Hans Bertsch, Doug
Eemisse, George Kennedy, Charles Powell, II, and Angel Valdes.
• Carole Hertz was proposed as member-at-large, but two people were previously elected
to that position (at the 2008 annual meeting) and it was decided that a third is not needed.
• Discussion of WSM computer domain.
• Student research grant committee
o To be headed by Danielle Zacherl, Assistant Professor of Biology at CSUF
■ She will determine the due date for grant proposals
o Other members of the Student Grant Committee: Hans Bertsch and Nora Foster
o It was determined that grants should be given out to students researching mollusks
in Western North America. These students can be from any country and do not
need to be members of WSM.
o It was decided that the committee should aim to give out $ 1 000 this year, in the
form of either one or two grants.
• It was decided that there will be best talk and best poster awards (one each) at the 2009
Annual Meeting. Each will come with a $100 prize plus one year membership in WSM.
• Discussion of annual reports and mailing list (being compiled by Charles Powell, II).
Minutes recorded by Charles Powell, II, edited by Michael Vendrasco.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES
California State University, Fullerton
June 24, 2009
• WSM President Michael Vandrasco called the meeting to order, about 5 PM.
• Current and former WSM officers present include: Kelvin Barwick, Hans Bertsch, Carlos
Caceres Martinez, Doug Eemisse, Esteban Felix Pico, Nora Foster, Carole Hertz, George
Kennedy, Charles Powell, II, Carol Skoglund, and Angel Valdes
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 45
• Student Grant Committee (Hans Bertsch, Nora Foster, and Danielle Zacherl) suggested
that the student grant award should go to Christin Slaughter from New Mexico State
University.
o Michael Vendrasco appointed Hans Bertsch, Nora Foster, and Danielle Zacherl to
continue on Student Grant Committee through next year.
• Hans Bertsch motioned that Executive Board will determine how much money to give to
Student Grant fund one month after annual meeting (after we know how much money is
available after meeting expenses are paid). Seconded by Carol Hertz; passed
unanimously.
• Hans Bertsch motioned that all funds from reprint sale and auction should be included in
student grant fund. Seconded by Carole Hertz; passed with one opposition.
• Discussion of current membership list.
• Discussion of annual reports status.
• Preview of financial report for annual meeting given by Treasurer Kelvin Barwick.
• Slate of officers proposed for 2009-2010 (2010 meeting year):
■ President - George Kennedy
■ 1 st Vice-President - Esteban Felix Pico
■ 2nd Vice-President - Janet Leonard (still needs to be contacted to see if she
will accept nomination)
■ Treasurer - Kelvin Barwick
■ Secretary - Charles Powell
■ Members-at-Large - Hans Bertsch and Nora Foster
o Motion made by Carole Hertz to accept slate of officers, seconded by Hans
Bertsch, and passed unanimously.
r
• Michael Vendrasco appointed Lindsey Groves, James McLean and Angel Valdes as
auditing committee for 2009-2010
• Carole Hertz made a motion to standardize abstract format. Hans Bertsch, Nora Foster,
and George Kennedy will work out the details. Seconded by Nora Foster, passed
unanimously.
Minutes recorded by Charles Powell, II, edited by George Kennedy and Michael Vendrasco.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 46
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES
California State University at Fullerton
June 26, 2009
• WSM President Michael Vendrasco called the meeting to order at 2:55 P.M.
• Secretary’s report - minutes from previous meeting in annual report (2008) distributed at
meeting. Motion to accept by Hans Bertsch, seconded by Carole Hertz, passed
unanimously.
• Treasurer’s report - Kelvin Barwick gave brief run down on the financial health of the
WSM. Approximately $19,500 balance after meeting expenses. Motion to accept by
Hans Bertsch, seconded by Carole Hertz, passed unanimously.
• Student Grant Committee report - Nora Foster reported six proposals came in during the
past year and the committee suggested we fund the one by Cristin Slaughter for $1,000.
Motion to accept by Hans Bertsch, seconded by Carole Hertz, passed unanimously.
• Michael Vendrasco gave summary of Executive Board meeting of June 24, 2009.
o Proceedings of auction and reprint sale to go to Student Grant Fund,
o Standardized abstract format is being developed,
o Changes in membership form outlined,
o Audit committee will be developed.
• New Business
o Discussion of new membership form.
o Request for reprints for the Orange County Sanitation District library.
• Best Student presentation awards
o Poster - Jann Elizabeth Vendetti “A method for replicating gastropod protoconchs
for morphological analysis.”
o Paper - Dominique Gordon “Environmental Effects on Larval Development of the
sea slug Alderia willowi .”
• Slate of officers presented for 2009-2010 (2010 meeting year):
* President - George Kennedy
■ 1 st Vice-President - Esteban Felix Pico
■ 2nd Vice-President - Janet Leonard
■ Treasurer - Kelvin Barwick
■ Secretary - Charles Powell, II
■ Members-at-Large - Hans Bertsch and Nora Foster
o Motion to elect by Carol Skoglund, seconded by Hans Bertsch, passed
unanimously.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 47
• Motion to thank current WSM officers by Hans Bertsch, seconded by Carole Hertz,
passed unanimously.
• Michael Vendrasco officially stepped down as WSM president and the new president
George Kennedy continued the meeting.
• George Kennedy as Historian stated that he would like materials from previous meetings
donated.
• George Kennedy and Doug Eemisse gave a presentation on next meeting (20 1 0) to be
held jointly with American Malacological Society June 27-29 (dates tentative) at San
Diego State University.
• Esteban Felix Pico gave a presentation on following meeting (2011) held jointly with
Reunion de la Asociacion Nacional de Malacologia y Conquiliologia June 9-13 at the
Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
• Carole Hertz made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Hans Bertsch, passed unanimously.
Minutes recorded by Charles Powell, II, edited by Michael Vendrasco.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 48
TREASURER’S REPORT
Western Society of Malacologists
September 30, 2009
Members,
Below is an accounting of WSM funds to date.
Kelvin Barwick
Treasurer
Income
Opening balance
$22,000.00
Membership Dues, Individual
1,632.00
Membership Dues, Institutional
175.00
Student Grant Donations
936.70
Student Grant Auction
579.00
Student Grant Reprint Sales
123.35
2009 Annual Conference & Fieldtrip
2,516.01
Micro-Mollusk Workshop (materials)
1,348.80
USGS Publication Funds Grant
1,000.00
Interest
5.00
Total
8,315.86
$8,315.86
Expenses
Miscellaneous
162.44
Misc. Postage
34.14
Bank Charges
22.50
Student Presentation Awards
200.00
Student Grant
1,000.00
Annual Reports (2003 - 2008)
5,801.63
2009 Annual Conference & Fieldtrip
2,072.21
Micro-Mollusk Workshop (reimbursement)
1,209.66
Total
-10,502.47
$-10,502.47
Cash Balance
$19,813.39
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 49
GROUP PHOTOGRAPH, 2009 WSM Annual Meeting
Front row (left to right): Deborah Roman, Elysse Gatdula, Jann Vendetti, Wendy Storm,
Laney Whitlow, Carlos Caceres Martinez, Chrystal Johnson, Esteban Felix Pico, Arturo Tripp
Quezada, Rosa del Carmen Campay Villalobos.
r
Second row (left to right): Omar Mendoza Porras, Miguel Angel del Rio Portilla, Christine
Fernandez, Celia K. C. Churchill, Carlos Figueroa Beltran, Miguel Agustin Tellez Duarte, Angel
Valdes.
Third row (left to right): Carole Hertz, Nora Foster, Constance Gramlich, James McLean, Bob
Moore, Jackson Lam, Rebecca Kowallis.
Back row (left to right): Douglas Eemisse, Jules Hertz, Roger Seapy, Michael Vendrasco,
Hans Bertsch, Christopher Kitting, Kelvin Barwick, George Kennedy, Patrick LaFollette,
Brenton Ferguson, Charles Powell, II.
Photograph by Dustin Harrison; photograph provided by Carole Hertz.
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 50
MEMBERSHIP LIST 2008
This is a list of current (September 30, 2009)
WSM members. Please report any concerns,
errors or changes to the Kelvin Barwick,
Treasurer at the address below or
kbarwick@ocsd.com .
Individual Members
A
Roland C. Anderson
2000 Minor Ave. East #8
Seattle WA 98102 USA
geoduck46@gami 1 .com
B
Kelvin L. Barwick
16391 Del Oro Circle
Huntington Beach CA 92649 USA
kbarwick@ocsd.com
Dr. Hans Bertsch
192 Imperial Beach Blvd., #A
Imperial Beach CA 91932 USA
hansmarvida@sbcglobal.net
C
Carlos Caceres Martinez
Univ. Autonoma Baja California Sur
Lateral Los Planes
161 Frac. Jardines del Sur
La Paz BCS 23055 MEXICO
ccaceres@uabcs.mx
Clay Carlson
P.O.Box 8019
Merizo GU 96916 USA
ccarl son@guam . net
Curtis Cash
412 Culver Blvd. #13
Playa del Ray CA 90293 USA
curtis.cash@lacity.org
Mrs. Barbara K. Chaney
713 Alston
Santa Barbara CA 93108-2307 USA
Dr. Eugene V. Coan
891 San Jude Ave.
Palo Alto CA 94306-2640 USA
Dr. Tom Cockbum
7683 Colin Place
Saanichton BC V8M 1N6 CANADA
tom.cockbum@gems6.gov.bc.ca
Dr. Robert Cowie
Center Conser. Res. & Training
Univ. Hawaii
3050 Malle Way, Gilmore 408
Honolulu HI 96822 USA
cowie@hawaii.edu
E
Dr. Douglas J. Eemisse
California State Univ., Fullerton
Dept. Biol. Sci. MH282
P.O. Box 34080 Fullerton CA 92834-6850 USA
deemisse@fullerton.edu
F
Carlos Figueroa
Universidad Autonoma de Baja California
Km. 103 carretera Tijuana-Ensenada
Ensenada, B. C. Mexico 22800 MEXICO
carlosfigueroab@gmail.com
Esteban Fernando Felix Pico
Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas
CICIMAR-IPN, Apdo.
Postal 592 Ave. Inst. Politecnico Nal.
S/N Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita
La Paz B.C.S. 23096 MEXICO
efelix@ipn.mx
G
Elysse Gatdula
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
3801 West Temple Ave. Pomona CA 91768
USA
ERGatdula@csupomona.edu
Dr. Michael T. Ghiselin
California Academy of Sciences
55 Concourse
Drive San Francisco CA 94118 USA
mghiselin@calacademy.org
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 5 1
Constance Gramlich
San Diego State University
4253 Mentone St. San Diego CA 92107-1 1 17
USA
gramlich@sunstroke.sdsu.edu
Mr, Lindsey T. Groves
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90007 USA
lgroves@nhm.org
H
Hillary Havford
4L5 Woodland Way
Santa Cruz CA 95060 USA
hhayford@mlml.calstate.edu
Mr. and Mrs. Jules Hertz
3883 Mt. Blackburn Ave
San Diego CA 92111 USA
jhertz@san.rr.com
Patty Hoff
P.O.Box 8019
Merizo GU 96916 USA
pjhoff@uog9.uog.edu
J
Edward J. Johannes
Deixis Consultants
16827 51st Avenue Seatac WA 98188 USA
tjfrest@earthlink.net
K
Ms. Kirstie L. Kaiser
Paseo de las Conchas Chinas #115-4
Puerto Vallarta Jalisco 48390 MEXICO
KristieKaiser@gmail.com
Darcy Kato
3333 Cabrillo Ave. #137
Santa Clara CA 95051 USA
Dr. George L. Kennedy
Brian F. Smith & Associates
14010 Poway Rd. Suite A
Poway CA 92064 USA
Dr. Ann L. Knowlton
University of Alaska, Faribanks
P.O. Box 84946
Fairbanks AK 99708 USA
knowlton@biol.wwu.edu
Patrick Krug
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles CA 90032-8201 USA
pkrug@calstatela.edu
L
Patrick I. LaFollette
38700 Vista Drive
Cathedral City CA 92234 USA
Pat@LaFollette.com
Dr. Janet Leonard
Joseph M. Long Marine Lab, Univ. Calif. Santa
Cruz
100 Shaffer Rd.
Santa Cruz CA 94019 USA
jlleonar@cats.ucsc.edu
M
Max Maliska
University of Washington
Box 351800
24 Kincaid Hall
Seattle WA 98195 USA
mem24@u.washington.edu
Dr. James H. McLean
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90007 USA
jmclean@nhm.org
Dr. George & Roma E. Metz
121 Wild Horse Valley Road
Novato CA 94947-3615 USA
romageometz@earthlink.net
Dr. Paula M. Mikkelsen
Paleontology Research Institution
1259 Trumansburg Road
Ithaca NY 14850 USA
mikkel@amnh.org
Ellen J. Moore
3324 SW Chintimini Avenue
Corvallis OR 97333-1529 USA
Angelika Moskova
Environmental Monitoring Division CLAEMD
12000 Vista Del Mar MS 535
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 52
Playa del Rey CA 90293-8504 USA
angela.moskova@lacity.org
Ms. Nancy Mountford
Cove Corporation
10200 Breeden Road Lusby MD 20657 USA
Margaret Mulliner
5283 Vickie Drive San Diego CA 92109-1334
USA
Dr. Harold D. Murray
247 Pinewood Lane San Antonio TX 78216
USA
N
Dr. Edna Naranio-Garcia
Instituto de Biologia, Departmento de Zoolgia
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
Calle Estio No. 2
Mexico City Distrito Federal 01600 MEXICO
naranjo@servidor.unam.mx
Takami Nobuhara
Science Education (Geology)
Faculty of Education Shizuoka University
Oya 836, Surugu-ku Shizuoka 422-8529 JAPAN
etnobuh@ipc.shizuoka.ac.jp
Charlotte Norrid
233 East Cairo Drive
Tempe AZ 85282-3607 USA
CharNorrid@aol.com
P
Reuben Paul
17997 Oak Leaf Lane
Yorba Linda CA 92886 USA
primevalsound@hotmail.com
Dr. Timothy Pearce
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
4400 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
PearceT@camegiemuseums.org
Mr. Richard E. Petit
806 St Charles Rd.
North Myrtle Beach SC 29582-2846 USA
r.e.petit@att.net
Charles A. Phillips
15582 Pelican Lane
Huntington Beach CA 92649 USA
cumacea@yahoo
Charles L. Powell II
U.S. Geological Survey, MS 975
345 Middlefield Rd.
Menlo Park CA 94025 USA
cpowell@usgs.gov
R
Mr. Bret K. Raines
P.O. Box 5124
Alamogordo NM 8831 1 USA
rainesbk@yahoo.com
Mr. Thomas C. Rice
P. O. Box 3
Rawai Muang Phuket 08130 THAILAND
ofseashr@sinclair.net
Dr. Barry Roth
745 Cole St. San Francisco CA 94117 USA
barryroth@earthlink.net
S
Elizabeth Shimer
California State Uinverstiy, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Biology Department
Los Angeles CA 90032 USA
betsydot@gmail.com
David Sischo
University of Hawaii at Manoa
41 Ahui Streeet
Honolulu HI 96813 USA
Sischo@hawaii.edu
Carol Skoglund
3846 East Highland Avenue
Phoenix AZ 85018-3620 USA
carolskoglund@msn.com
Christin Slaughter
New Mexico State University
445 N. Alameda Blvd.
Las Cruces NM 88005 USA
cslaught@nmsu.edu
Dr. Judith Terry Smith
2330 14th St. North, #401
Arlington VA 22201-5867 USA
Redcloud 1 @earthlink.net
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 53
INSTITUTIONS
Timothy D. Stebbins
City of San Diego Marine Biology Laboratory
2392 Kincaid Road
San Diego CA 92101-081 1 USA
tstebbins@sandiego.gov
V
Dr Angel Valdes
Natural History Museum of L.A. County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90007 USA
avaldes@nhm.org
Mr. Ronald G. Velarde
Marine Biology Laboratory
2392 Kincaid Road
San Diego CA 92101 USA
rvelarde@sandiego.gov
Dr Michael Vendrasco
14601 Madris Ave.
Norwalk CA 90650 USA
mjvendrasco@gmail.com
Jann E Vendetti
Museum of Paleontology, UC Berkeley
1101VLSB
Berkeley CA 94720-4780 USA
jannv@berkeley.edu
W
Laney Whttlow
California State Universtiy, Fullerton
800 North State College Blvd. MH282
Fullerton CA 92831 USA
laney.whitlow@gamail.com
Ms. Mary Jo (Jody) Woolsey
3717 Bagley Ave. #206
Los Angeles CA 90034 USA
m.woolsey@att.net
Y
Field Museum of Natural History: Lib
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Museum of New Zealand
Te Aka Matua Library
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Swets Information Services Inc.
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Library Serials Department
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SIO Library, Univ. Calif. San Diego
SIO Library Serials
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Dr. Thomas E. Yancey
Department of Geology
Texas A&M University
College Station TX 77843-3 115 USA
Western Society of Malacologists Annual Report for 2009, v. 42 (2010)
Page 54
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