Revision of the genus Teralatirus Coomans 1965 in the Western Atlantic, with an anatomical description of T. roboreus (Reeve 1845) (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda: Fasciolariidae)

Abstract

A supposed single species of the fasciolariid genus Teralatirus occurring in the Western Atlantic is revised. Two species are recognized. One of them is T roboreus (REEVE 1845), a revalidation and new combination, being an older name for the previously known T ernesti MELVILL 1910 (the type species). Its distribution is expanded southward, from the Caribbean to Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil, and a detailed study of its anatomy is presented. It displays a regular fasciolariid fashion, except for the plug-like head, the diminishment of the radular apparatus, the loss of the gland of Leiblein and the presence of a wide esophageal gland. The remaining species is T festivus HAAS 1941, a revalidation, differing from the other species mainly by having a colorful shell with variable outline. Its distribution is restricted to the Caribbean.