Bursidae of the World

This beautifully illustrated work is described by its author as an Atlas which is just what it is. It does not claim to be a monographic treatment of the family Bursidae, although all the 64 species and subspecies known and considered valid by the authors are included. The text is in both English and Italian. The species are arranged systematically under genera with one to two pages devoted to each. Author and date are given together with an indication of size range, geographical distribution, location of type material when known, comparisons with similar species and a list of synonyms which is far from complete. The species descriptions are however so abbreviated as to be of little use. Under Bursa angioyorum for instance we are told 'This species diners from B. muehlhaeusseri by its larger size and some other important details'. What details? And under Tutufa rubeta 'It is very similar to T. rubeta! The illustrations consist of high quality full colour photographs which are in every way excellent. Each species is shown in both ventral and dorsal views often with additional illustrations in the case of very variable ones, for example sixteen specimens of Bursa rosa and over forty for B. granularis granularis.

Unfortunately there are a large number of typographical errors and misprints which careful proof reading should have eliminated. Many of these become obvious when the text and indices are compared. For instance on p. 116 the following errors occur and this is by no means all onjust one page! Bursa awatii Ray, 1849 should be 1949, B. sonorana Barry, 1960 should be Berry, B. christinae Part, 1989 should be Parth, B. ponderosa Reeve, 1842 should be 1844, B. echinata (Link, 1851) should be 1807, B. luteostoma Pease should be (Pease, 1861).

To complete the book there is a two page systematic arrangement of the family and a one page index of specific names indicating which are considered valid and which synonyms. This list is not cross-referenced to the main text and is far from comprehensive. The "Index", which is more a list of contents, is arranged in page order not alphabetically and is far from helpful! Finally there is a one page bibliography, largely confined to recent regional guides and a few articles covering the Bursidae in general. Some additional biological information concerning the animal, reproduction, feeding etc. would have been welcome. Likewise characteristics separating the different genera and subgenera all of which is entirely lacking. If a revised edition is ever contemplated it is to be hoped that the numerous errors in the text would be corrected. The superb illustrations would make this well worth while.