|
|
|
|
|
Colpospira sophiae (Brazier, 1883) Description: Protoconch of 1½ whorls, teleoconch 14 whorls in adult shells. Whorls slightly concave to slightly convex in outline; suture impressed. Whorls spirally ribbed; latter whorls sculptured with 5-10 spiral ribs or threads, variable in size, the 2 at top and at bottom of whorls usually strongest. Axial sculpture of sparse growth lines conforming to shape of outer lip sinus. Inner lip of aperture reflected outwards at base; outer lip thin, with a deep sinus, lip usually broken Base with about 7 low, rounded riblets. Colour fawn, splashed with brown and white, often forming brown axial markings, or alternating brown and white on major ribs. Operculum circular, corneous. Size: Up to 12 mm in length. Distribution: Endemic to Australia; Capricorn Channel, Queensland, southwards to Sydney, NSW. Habitat: Known from 66-350 m. Uncommon in Queensland, rare in NSW. Comparison: This species has similar sculpture and colour pattern to C. sinuata and C. guillaumei, but is smaller, and rare in NSW. Synonymy: Originally described as Turritella incisa Tension-Woods, 1878, but that name was preoccupied. Remarks: When Garrard discussed this species in 1972 he had only two lots available. With 14 lots now available, the colour pattern and sculpture is seen to be more variable than described by him. Fig. 1: Off Moreton Bay, Queensland, in 77 m (C.087111). Fig. 2: Capricorn Channel, Queensland, in 155 m C.381022). |
