Leporicypraea mappa

Lore & Background

The map cowry was named on the basis of its distinct color pattern, with longitudinal lines and a sinuous mantle groove that create a resemblance to ancient maps. Its shell is globose, with a near elliptical, slightly elongate outline. The aperture is very narrow and relatively long, with both lips ornamented with arrays of small teeth; the outer lip teeth are shorter and stronger, while the inner lip teeth are thinner and more numerous. The dorsal side is normally inflated, and the ventral side is slightly concave. The shell is colored white or cream with several longitudinal brown lines, sometimes interrupted by circular empty spaces. The dorsal mantle groove line is devoid of lines and easily perceivable, with a sinuous appearance and several branches and notches, making it a diagnostic character. The ventral side and labral teeth vary in color, assuming shades of white, cream, purple, brown, orange, or pink.

Taxonomically, Leporicypraea mappa was previously placed in the genus Cypraea. In the currently most accepted taxonomy by Lorenz & Hubert (2000), it is considered within the genus Leporicypraea, with several subspecies. Recently, the division of this taxon into two or even three nominal species based on morphological and molecular characters has been suggested. The species is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific, including East Africa, Madagascar, the southeastern Red Sea, eastern Polynesia, southern Japan, Australia, and New Caledonia. However, this wide range may be an artifact, as some conchologists claim the taxonomy is poorly resolved; if the map cowry is discovered to be a cryptic species complex, the distribution could drastically change.

Reader's Guide

Leporicypraea mappa holds significance as an economically important species in the Indo-West Pacific, where it is commonly collected by local fishermen for food and shell trading. Its flesh is edible, and it is sold in fish markets in the northern Philippines. The shells were considered rare, exotic, and beautiful, and were highly prized by private shell collectors in the late 1950s. The species' distinctive color pattern, which resembles ancient maps, has contributed to its desirability among collectors. The taxonomy of the map cowry remains under discussion, with suggestions that it may represent a cryptic species complex, which would affect understanding of its distribution. Subspecies recognized by the World Register of Marine Species include Leporicypraea mappa admirabilis, Leporicypraea mappa aliwalensis, and Leporicypraea mappa mappa. The Indo-Pacific Molluscan also lists Leporicypraea mappa rosea, Leporicypraea mappa panerythra, Leporicypraea mappa viridis, and Leporicypraea mappa geographica.

Did You Know?

• The map cowry was named for its shell pattern that resembles ancient maps.
• Its maximum shell length can reach up to 10 cm.
• The species is collected for both food and shell trading in the Indo-West Pacific.
• Some conchologists suggest the map cowry may be a cryptic species complex.