Subgenera. The subgenus Desmoceras sensu stricto is highly involute, with a rounded cadiconial or subquadratic cross-section and nonsystematic constrictions. The type species is D. (Desmoceras) latidorsatum (Michelin, 1834). The subgenus Pseudouhligella Matsumoto, 1938, is involute, with whorls of oval cross-section. The constrictions, always present, are biconcave, that is, formed of two concave arcs joined by a shorter convex arc. The type species is D. (Pseudouhligella) japonica (Yabe, 1904).
Distribution and age. The subgenus Desmoceras existed from the Lower Cretaceous (Late Aptian) to the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian). It is nearly cosmopolitan: it has been found in Europe, Africa, Madagascar, southern India, Japan, Australia (Queensland), New Zealand, Alaska, British Columbia, California, Texas, and Venezuela. Pseudouhligella occurs from the Late Albian to the Early Turonian and has a somewhat more restricted geographic range: France, Nigeria, Japan, New Zealand, Alaska, British Columbia, and California.
Remarks. When it exhibits constrictions, the subgenus Desmoceras can be confused with Melchiorites. Generally, the latter is more compressed, with an oval whorl section and a slightly more open umbilicus with a broadly rounded edge. On the test, its constrictions do not always correspond to a rib, or if they do, the rib is weaker. We have unfortunately seen borderline specimens.