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BULLIDAE |
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Bulla quoyii J.E. Gray, 1843 Description: Shell large, inflated, sides evenly convex, spire with narrow, deep umbilicus. Whorls taller than spire; surface smooth or with irregular growth lines, 5-9 fine spiral grooves at base. Aperture narrow at top, broadening out anteriorly. Outer lip sharp, weakly convex in profile. Parietal callus white, thin. Background colour pale brown, mottled with dark brown blotches that merge into axial bands. Size: Up to 62 mm in length. Distribution: Restricted to southern Australia and the North Island of New Zealand: Burleigh Head, QLD, southwards and around southern Australia to Abrolhos, WA, including northern Tas. Habitat: "Intertidal mud flats in sheltered areas, on sandy mud with seagrass Zostera and green algae Ulva and Enteromorpha and also in shallow subtidal areas. Breeds during November when it can be seen abundantly at night" (Malaquias & Reid, 2008). Comparison: This is the only species of Bulla in Australasia with fine spiral grooves at the base. Synonymy: Names used previously for this species, either as synonyms or as mis-identification, include Bulla australis of several authors, Bulla tenuissima G.B. Sowerby II, 1868 and Bullaria botanica Hedley, 1918. (see Willan 1978). Remarks: Willan (1977) demonstrated the great intraspecific variability of the shell. Figs.1, 2: Simpsons Beach, Bundeena, NSW (C.437799). |
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