Conus
(Lautaconus) rhodesensis (Psarras, Merle, Moissette & Koskeridou,2024)
Description (1)
Shell (1)
Small to moderately-sized shells (maximum
length of about 25.7 mm), with conical spire of variable height. Spire whorl
outline slightly concave to slightly convex. Early spire whorls conical with
spiral grooves on sutural ramps. Later spire whorls conical, straight to
slightly convex, with occasional spiral grooves on sutural ramp, sometimes
slightly striated to elevated. Shoulder angulated to smooth, with maximum
diameter on shoulder to just below shoulder. Subsutural flexure shallow,
moderately curved, nearly symmetrical. Spiral grooves and cords along the last
whorl, intense at anterior third of last whorl.
Colour pattern (1)
Colour pattern of the spire whorls consists
of one level of pigmentation of broad axial to thin flammulae. The pattern on
the shoulder consists of a non-fluorescent band at carina. The axial flammulae
levels of pigmentation of the spire whorls rarely overlap the non-fluorescent
band (E3). The colour pattern on the last whorl consists of spiral rows of
dashes, of variable length (Fig. 4), alternating with non-fluorescent dots.
Fluorescent bands exist in different heights and widths. Usually there is one
band in the middle whorl and one in the anterior part of the last whorl,
separated by a non-fluorescent band. In this fluorescent band, the spiral rows
of dashes are less long and dense.
Remarks (1)
We have examined 140 specimens. This group
shows a great morphological diversity, as there are both shells with elevated
spires and low spired ones and the spiral whorls can be striated or smooth
(Fig. 3). Nevertheless, the residual colour patterns are similar in all
specimens studied.
|
|
|
FIG. 3 — Conus (Lautoconus)
rhodesensis n. subsp. (1) |
|
|
|
|
Conus ventricosus Clade 4 - subvar.
Rhodesensis ?
mm. 28,8 x 12,6 Tyris - Grecia [AZRC
N. 286-01] |
||
|
|
||
Conus ventricosus Clade 4 - subvar.
Rhodesensis ?
mm. 27,6 x 16,2 Tyris - Grecia [AZRC N. 547-51] |
||
Bibliografia Consultata
·