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Emarginula dilecta Adams, 1852

Description: Shell almost oval in outline, slightly wider posteriorly. Apex at posterior third, backward pointing and recurved. Anterior slope convex, posterior slope concave. Slit in anterior margin about one-third of anterior slope length, with bordering flanges. Selenizone flat or grooved with raised edges, with erect lunulae. Sculptured with about 40 axial ribs sometimes with a smaller rib between each, crossed by weaker concentric ribs, producing a cancellate surface. Margin crenulate internally. Colour white.

Size: Up to 15 mm in length.

Distribution: Endemic to Australia: southern NSW to Fremantle, WA.

Habitat: Known from dead beach shells, and from living specimens down to 250 m. Rare in NSW.

Comparison: Compared to E. candida, this shell is longer and flatter with a longer slit. The selenizone is flat or grooved in this species but is a raised keel in E. candida. Compared to E. bajula, it is taller with more radial ribs.

Synonymy: Emarginula amitina Iredale, 1925

Fig. 1  Holotype of Emarginula amitina. East of Ulladulla, NSW, in 135 m (Preserved animal in shell) (C.053775)

Fig. 2  a. Broulee, NSW (C.unregistered) b. Ellensbrook, WA (C.unregistered).

 

Copyright Des Beechey 2004