The binomen S. inornata first appeared in Maynard (1919b [November 6]:49) together with a reference to illustrations that were published later (Maynard, 1920d [September 30]:pl. 3, figs. 11-13).  Article 10.1.1 (ICZN, 1999:9) states that if publication of the data relating to a new nominal taxon or a nomenclatural act is interrupted and continued at a later date, the name or act becomes available only when the requirements of the relevant Articles have been met.  Prior to the publication of  plate 3, Maynard (1920b [April 8]:87) again used the name S. inornata as an example of morphological reversion following shell damage, and cited a figure (Maynard, 1920c[July 10]:fig. 73) that was reproduced in color (Maynard, 1920c:pl. 17, fig. 2).  In the next issue, Maynard (1920d [September 30]:112) published a correction stating that figure numbers 72 and 73, as well as  plate 17, figures 1 and 2 were transposed, and that the figures 73 and plate 17 figure 2 are actually S. salinaria, while figures 72 and plate 17, figure 1 represent  S. inornata.

The uses of the binomen Strophiops inornata in Maynard (1919b:49) and Maynard (1920b:87) are nomina nuda.  The taxon S. inornata dates from the illustrations in Maynard, 1920c[July 10]:fig. 73, pl. 17, fig. 2. 

As both illustrations were captioned "S. inornata," the taxon must be attributed to Maynard rather than to Maynard and Clapp, as cited by Clench (1957:148). 

Intended taxon description:

45. S  inornata.

Medium, 1.12 by .45, [costae] a little narrower than interspa­ces; margin, thin, .05: pale yellow-brown, darker within. Common on north side of Bell Key on shrubs. 1060. Plate 3, figs. 11, 12. 13.