F. Lorenz & D. Fehse (2009)
A manual of the families of allied cowries: Ovulidae, Pediculariidae and Eocypraeidae
The book on Ovulidae and related families reviews and summarizes today's knowledge of these interesting gastropods. The book gives descriptions, discussion, comparison and a critical taxonomic revision of all living taxa. Information on habitat and distribution, rarities and size ranges, along with more than 250 colour plates depicting well over 2000 specimens, including holotypes, and hundreds of in situ photos of living animals give the first comprehensive monograph on the "allied Cowries" since Cate's (1973) work in The Veliger.
A large gallery of living animals on their hosts is shown, an identification-key to the genera, a complete synonymy and a large account of references make this book an indispensible tool for collectors and scientists.
The idea for a book on Ovulids had been in both author's minds for a while. In 2003 they met by chance at a shell-show in Paris. On discussing how great it would be to have a modern, illustrated reference on the Ovulidae and related families, they decided to write one. After six years of assembling this book they are hopeful that it will help collectors and scientists to find access to this poorly understood yet fascinating group of gastropods.
651 pp., 203 + 66 col. pls., hardcover bound 4to
