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RISSOIDAE |
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Alvania (Alvania) strangei (Brazier, 1894) Description: Shell relatively short and wide, spire strongly convex. Protoconch of 1-1¼ whorls, smooth, junction with teleoconch distinct. Teleoconch up to 3½ convex whorls. Axial sculpture of strong ribs, 12-18 on last half whorl, fading out at periphery of last whorl. Spiral sculpture of up to 5 threads on each whorl, either restricted to interspaces between axials or crossing axials, forming beads at intersections in strongly sculptured shells. Last whorl with about 4 broad cords on base. Aperture ovate with well-defined posterior canal; smooth internally, outer lip slightly expanded, without varix but sometimes with axials closely spaced. Shell usually colourless translucent, becoming opaque white with age. Size: Up to 2.5 mm in length Distribution: Endemic to Australia; Sydney, NSW, southwards and around southern Australia, to south-western WA, including Tasmania. Habitat: Most specimens are washed up on harbour or exposed ocean beaches, plus a few dredged down to 18 m. Common. Comparison: This species is smaller that A. novarensis, the spiral sculpture is weaker, and the outer lip lacks a varix. Most specimens are translucent, in contrast to A. novarensis which is generally opaque. Synonymy: Synonyms are Rissoa lineata Petterd, 1884 and Alvania tatei Thiele, 1930 Fig. 1: Ocean Beach, Kurnell, NSW (C.348378) |
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