< Previous species


TRIPHORIDAE


Next species >


6867-1.jpg (139305 bytes)

 

6868-1.jpg (392809 bytes)

Aclophoropsis maculosa (Hedley, 1903)

Description: Shell variable in size, sinistral. Protoconch lecithotrophic, of 2-2 ½ whorls. Teleoconch whorls with 4 beaded spiral cords and axial costae; spirals 1 and 3 start immediately after protoconch spiral 2 on 3rd or 4th teleoconch whorl. Spirals 1-3 of similar size by penultimate whorl. Spiral 4 slightly exposed on all whorls. Another 2 spirals on base (numbered 5 and 6); spiral 5 weakly undulate, spiral 6 smooth. Axial costae number 18-23 on penultimate whorl. Outer lip of aperture flared, anterior siphonal canal short and upturned, posterior canal a U-shaped notch. Colour or protoconch and first 2 teleoconch whorls white; subsequent whorls with spiral 1 with alternating groups of white and dark brown nodules; remainder of whorls white maculated with light brown; base dark brown.

Size: Adult shells 3.4 - 8.0 mm in length.

Distribution: Endemic to Australia: Clarence River, NSW, southwards to Gabo Island in northern Victoria.

Habitat: Intertidal and subtidal to 28 m. Common in beach washup.

Comparison: This is one of the most common triphorids in NSW, recognised by the maculate colour pattern, especially the alternating brown and white beads on spiral 1.

Synonymy: Notosinister robusta Laseron, 1954 is a previously recognised synonym.

Figs. 1, 2: Balmoral, Middle Harbor, NSW (C.013519 Both specimens)

 

Copyright Des Beechey 2015