Lorica haurakiensis

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Lorica haurakiensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Polyplacophora
Order: Neoloricata
Suborder: Chitonina
Family: Loricidae
Genus: Lorica
Species: L. haurakiensis
Binomial name
Lorica haurakiensis
Mestayer, 1921
Synonyms

Lorica volvox Suter, 1907

Lorica haurakiensis is a rare species of chiton in the family Loricidae.

Contents

[edit] Distribution

This species is endemic to the North and South islands of New Zealand.

[edit] Habitat

This chiton lives on rocks from below low water to depths of about 45 m.

[edit] Description

The shell is rather large and solid, elongate-ovate, and high arched. It is elaborately sculptured with narrow longitudinal ribs over the central area, radial granose to spinose ribs on the lateral areas, and 14 granose radial ribs on the head valve.

Coloration is dull reddish-brown, paler down the crest of the valves, and irregularly maculated in darker reddish-brown. The girdle has dark reddish-brown bands extending out from the sutures.

Length is up to 52 mm, and the width is up to 34 mm.

[edit] References