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TRIPHORIDAE |
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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) |
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