Cone Collectors Guide
Paul Kersten has developed this guide and checklist for the Cone Collector website.
The intention is to provide information and pictures to assist the cone collector in identification. The
guide is not intended to be a publication for the scientific record. It will be a significant source of
knowledge and reference for cone collectors looking to develop their interest and no doubt, the
source of some debate for the experienced cone collector.
A full list of Conus names is provided covering all the names introduced to date. From this, Paul has
selected those names which should be of interest to a collector. This includes all species, subspecies
and forms which are identifiable. For these selected names, data is provided on the author,
publication, type specimens, distribution, habitat etc., together with a summarised description,
pictures of the type and pictures of specimens from private collections.
The author has considered inputs on the current taxonomy. He does not seek to introduce new
assignments for the scientific record but will adjudicate and comment as necessary on any differing
views in published materials. A discussion paragraph for each name will be used to add considered
opinions and comments received from the cone community.
Summarised content from the original descriptions is available for many species. It is the intent to
provide a minimal summary and picture of the most recently introduced names in the What’s New
section, together with a link to the website of the relevant publication. Later, a fuller summarised
description will be included in the main files. A fuller set of acknowledgements , some key references
and recommended books are provided using the links on the welcome page.
Pictures of the radula and living animals will be included as they become available.
Paul will be keeping the What’ New section up to date on a regular basis and will update the main
files and add pictures in May, September, January of each year.
Some items of text have been taken from databases and as a result, you will find that some of the
author’s names and publication titles lack the continental characters. These items will be gradually
corrected as updates are made.
The author acknowledges the support of Alan Kohn and Klaus Groh in agreeing to the selective use
of descriptions from major reviews of cones published in Living Conidae and the recent Iconography
series.
How can you help? Inputs in the form of text, pictures and opinions are welcomed from the Cone
community. Paul’s E mail address is to be found on Cone Collectors Guide welcome page.
The website has been tested but it needs use and input from the community to flush out any early
life problems and then work together to improve the content. With descriptive material for more
than 1200 names, much has been achieved but the website will continue to improve with good
constructive feedback.
The work plan is as follows
Jan 2013 to April 2013.
Focus on any broken links.
Focus on any wrong information in primary material i.e. names, authors, publications, type material
Correct any wrong information on Group Names.
Correct any wrong pictures.
During this phase no new pictures will be added
Please let Paul know of any changes that you would suggest.
May 2013 to September 2013.
Focus on descriptions and make corrections.
Add 150 new pictures of specimens
Let Paul have any pictures of your collections which you think would improve the website. Single
pictures showing a range of forms of a species are particularly welcome, together with specimen
pictures of names which do not yet have illustrative pictures.
Input and comments on taxonomy will be welcomed.
September 2013 to December 2013
Focus on taxonomy inputs.
Add 250 new pictures