Evolution & Systematics

Lyncina vitellus is a marine gastropod, and is recognised as a true cowrie with the family Cypraeidae (sister group to Chelycypraea) (Meyer, 2002). Relationships within the subgenus Lyncina indicates at least three independent lineages: L. schilderoroum, L. vitellus, and L. ventriculus. Lyncina is strongly supported as monophyletic (Meyer, 2002). 

Phylogeny of Cypraeidae. L. vitellus is included in Group D (Meyer, 2002).





Figures A and B show the phylogeny of Lyncina (Meyer, 2002).