Introduction to Mollusks

This Alphabetized Taxonomic Index of the Phylum Mollusca is divided by class; Aplacophora, Bivalvia, Cephalopoda, Gastropoda, Monoplacophora, Polyplacophora, and Scaphopoda. While some authors designate Aplacophora and Polyplacaphora as subclasses of Amphineura, this index recognizes Aplacophora and Polyplacophora as distinct classes.

Classification levels used in this index are: Class, Subclass,,Order, Suborder, Superfamily, Family, Subfamily, Genus, Subgenus, Species, Subspecies, Form and Variety.

For purposes of identification, each member of the phylum is assigned an identifying number.

Example of an identifying number; 8-0-1-0-1-3-2-11-3-4-0-0-0
This member belongs to: (Class 8-Scaphopoda) (Subclass 0-none) (Order 1-Dentaliida) Suborder 0-none) (Superfamily 1-Dentaliiacea) (Family 3-Dendaliidae) (Subfamily 2-Dentaliinae) Genus 11-Dentalium) (Subgenus 3-Bathoxiphus) (Species 4-soyomaruae) (Subspecies 0-none) (Form 0-none) (Variety 0-none)
In those rare instances where superorder, infraorder, group or tribe are used in a cross-reference the level will be indicated by a letter rather than a number.
Example: 9-0-S-3-1-I.
Class 9, Subclass 0, Superorder S, Order 3, Suborder 1, Infraorder I, etc.

The symbols, styles and abbreviations used in this index are: