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Mitraguraleus mitralis (Adams and Angus, 1864)

Description: Shell with axial ribs from suture to suture on spire whorls, fading out below midbody on the body whorl, and often becoming obsolete on the last half; about 17-21 on penultimate whorl. Spiral sculpture of fine threads over whole surface, about 20 on penultimate whorl. Columella smooth; outer lip thin, with weak, broad, shallow sinus above periphery. Colour white or cream with a broad fawn band below suture and occasionally another at centre of body whorl.

Size: Up to 18 mm in length.

Distribution: Endemic to Australia; Coffs Harbour, NSW, to SA and Tasmania.

Habitat: Taken down to 15 m, but most records are beach specimens. Uncommon.

Comparison: See Euguraleus tasmanicus for comparison with that species. This species is similar in general outline with Parviterebra trilineata (Adams and Angas, 1864), in the family Columbellidae, but that species is much more slender and the aperture is relatively shorter.

Synonymy: Mitraguraleus australis (Adams and Angas, 1864), which occurs in southern Australia, is probably the same as this species.

Remarks: Most specimens of this species are worn beach shells with the outer lip broken, and the weak sinus is not usually visible.

Fig. 1:  Sow and Pigs Reef, Sydney Harbour, NSW. The outer lip is broken and the sinus is not apparent (C.373222).

 
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Copyright Des Beechey 2004