The binomen Strophiops arbusta was first published by Maynard (1919c:65) in conjunction with an illustration (Maynard, 1919c:fig. 38) captioned "S. arbusta M. & C.," serving as an example of a taxon that lacks an upper [columellar] tooth. This illustration was later reproduced in color (Maynard, 1920c:pl. 16, fig. 6). The association of a new species group name with an illustration of the taxon being named prior to 1930 makes the name Strophiops arbusta Maynard and Clapp in Maynard (1919c:65, fig. 38) available (Article 12.2.7, ICZN, 1999:17) prior to the intended description of this species (Maynard and Clapp in Maynard, 1921a [May 2]:133, Pl. 30, figs. 5, 6). Due to Maynard's unintended taxonomic act, the binomen Strophiops recessa became available on December 31, 1919, but retains the same authorship. Maynard (1920a:74, fig. 49 A, B) again used the name in conjunction with figures prior to the intended introduction of the taxon. These illustrations were later reproduced in color (Maynard, 1920b:pl. 12, figs. 4, 5).
Intended taxon description:
76. S. arbusta.
Larger, 1.24 by .48; costae fine. 33, about as wide as interspaces; white marked with pale brown. Guana Key abundant on palms, shrubs, grass and weeds. 2454. Plate 30. figs. 5, 6.