The generic level revision and phylogenetic analysis of the gastropod
subfamily Rapaninae Gray, 1853 (Prosobranchia: Neogastropoda: Muricida
e), presented here is based primarily on gross anatomy (female and mal
e reproductive systems, alimentary system, mantle cavity organs), radu
lar, opercular, and protoconch morphology, and shell ultrastructure. R
esults reveal that Rapaninae includes most members previously allocate
d to the Thaidinae Jousseaume, 1888. The type species of most recogniz
ed rapanine genera were studied for character selec tion. Eighteen cha
racters were determined for cladistic analyses, and results were compa
red with additional data derived from egg capsule morphology and bioge
ographic data. The cladistic analyses show (1) that the former Thaidid
ae/nae of authors is polyphyletic and should be divided into two (mono
phyletic) groups; (2) that family status is not justified for either o
f these groups; (3) that Rapana Schumacher, 1817, is monophyletic with
Thaidinae, resulting in synonymization of Thaidinae Jousseaume, 1888,
with Rapaninae Gray, 1853; and (4) that several genera belonging to t
he Rapaninae merely deserve subgeneric status. The genera Nucella Rodi
ng, 1798, Forreria Jousseaume, 1880, Trochia Swainson, 1840, Acanthina
Fischer von Waldheim, 1807, and Haustrum Ferry, 1811, are placed in O
cenebrinae Cossmann, 1903 (sensu Kool, 1993); the genera Cymia Morch,
1860, Rapana Schumacher, 1817, Stramonita Schumacher, 1817, Concholepa
s Lamarck, 1801, Dicatinais Iredale, 1936, Drupa Roding, 1798, Plicopu
rpura Cossmann, 1903, Pinaxia H. and A. Adams, 1853, Nassa Roding, 179
8, Vexilla Swainson, 1840, Cronia H. and A. Adams, 1853, Morula Schuma
cher, 1817, Thais Roding, 1798, Purpura Bruguiere, 1789, and Mancinell
a Link, 1807, are placed in Rapaninae. The taxa Vasula Morch, 1860, Tr
ibulus Sowerby, 1839, and Neorapana Cooke, 1918, are allocated subgene
ric status under Thais.