The binomen Strophiops elegantissima was first published by Maynard (1919c: 64; fig. 36 A-D) together with illustrations labeled "S. elegantissima." The text provided detailed descriptions of dentition stated to be a specific character in S. elegantissima. The name Strophia elegantissima Maynard, becomes available on December 31, 1919 (Articles 12.1 and 12.2.7, ICZN, 1999:17) prior to the intended description of the taxon as Multicostata elegantissima Maynard and Clapp in Maynard, 1920d [September 30]:126, Plate 25, figs. 1, 2). As fig. 36 A-D are captioned "S. elegantissima," the taxon must be attributed to Maynard rather than to Maynard and Clapp, as cited by Clench (1957:144). The name S. elegantissima was again used by Maynard (1920a:80) as an example of a taxon with color banding, citing subsequently published illustration (Maynard, 1920b:fig. 60, identical image colored on pl. 13, fig. 2, both captioned "S. elegantissima M. & C."). Maynard's unintended taxonomic act accelerated the availability of the binomen Strophiops elegantissima to
Intended original description:
47. M. elegantissima,
Larger, 1,25 by .50; costae, 38, a little narrower than interspaces; white, streakings, red-brown and yellowish. Common on