Amalda, H. ADAMS & A. ADAMS, 1853

GENUS AMALDA H. ADAMS & A. ADAMS, 1853 View in CoL (1)

Type species: Ancillaria tankervillii Swainson, 1825 ; SD, Cossmann (1899).

Remarks: The species of Amalda together present a wide range of shell forms and it is not surprising that several genus group names have been proposed. Our analysis covers very little of the general diversity of the group, but at least three subgenera are present in our dataset: Amalda s.s., Baryspira [represented in our analysis by Amalda contusa (Reeve, 1864) ] and Alocospira (represented by Amalda bellonarum Kilburn & Bouchet, 1988 ). Although the support of the genus itself is significant (1 in BA), the genetic distances within its constituents are rather small, compared to, for example, the genus Ancilla . Nevertheless, at least Alocospira constitutes a rather long branch, and it is possible that future molecular studies will reveal a more complex and robust structuring necessitating the recognition of (sub)genera. At present we abstain from using any subgenera and provide a list of names with Recent type species for future reference.