Old shell collection casts new light in an alien species. The dark false mussel (Mytilopsis leucophaeata) may have been in Britain as early as 1800!
Oliver, P.G. (2015). Old shell collection casts new light in an alien species. The dark false mussel (Mytilopsis leucophaeata) may have been in Britain as early as 1800! J. Conch., Lond. 42(1): 63-66
In: Journal of Conchology. Conchological Society of Great Britain & Ireland: London. ISSN 0022-0019; e-ISSN 2755-3531, more
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Alien species, Invasion history, nineteenth century |
| Abstract |
Specimens of Mytilopsis leucophaeata, the Dark False Mussel, have been found in a shell collection dating from the early 19th century. The four shells are attributed to William Lyons (1766-1849) with the locality 'Tenby' (Pembrokeshire, South Wales). Evidence from the Lyons collection in the Tenby Museum suggests that the majority was acquired around 1800-1830, which indicates that Lyons had shells before Conrad described the species in 1831 and some 150 years before it was first recorded in the British Isles. This paper reaffirms the relevance of early museum collections to contemporary environmental agendas. |
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