Mnestia japonica (A. Adams, 1862)

Description

A small cylindrical cephalaspidean (the largest species of Cylichna known to Adams from the Korea Strait, after C. arachis). Shell cylindrical, with a rimate umbilicus, often covered by a thin brown periostracum, rounded at both ends; apex perforate. The surface is sculpted entirely with very fine transverse striations, more widely spaced anteriorly. Aperture linear and dilated anteriorly; inner lip thin, elongate and simple; outer lip with a barely straight margin, posteriorly strongly produced and rounded-angulate. Differs from C. arachis in being more elongate and less robust, with the angle of the outer lip produced and angulate, extending considerably beyond the apex.

Distribution

Western Pacific. The type locality is the Korea Strait, 46 fathoms.

Etymology

The specific epithet japonica refers to the type-locality region of Japan and the surrounding seas.

Remarks

Originally described as Cylichna japonica in Adams' "On some new species of Cylichnidae, Bullidae, and Philinidae, from the Seas of China and Japan" (Annals and Magazine of Natural History, ser. 3, 9: 150, 1862). Subsequently transferred to Mnestia H. Adams & A. Adams, 1854, now placed in the family Mnestiidae (formerly Cylichnidae sensu lato).

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References

• Cylichna japonica, Adams A. (1862). On some new species of Cylichnidae, Bullidae, and Philinidae, from the Seas of China and Japan. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, series 3, 9: 150-161.