Family Buccinidae Tribe Cominellini Higher classification Cominella | Subfamily Buccininae Genus Cominella Rank Species | |
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Similar Cominella, Cominella glandiformis, Cominella maculosa, Cominella virgata, Buccinulum | ||
Cominella adspersa, common name the speckled whelk or kawari in Maori, is a predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Buccinidae, the true whelks.
Contents
Description
The length of the shell varies between 25 mm and 75 mm.
The oblong-ovate shell is of a red brown color. It is furrowed throughout its whole extent by regular transverse striae, numerous, pretty near, interwoven by other very fine longitudinal striae. The pointed spire is composed of seven whorls. Each whorl, except the lowest, is adorned with longitudinal tubercles or ribs. The columella projectis a little above an incipient umbilicus, which penetrates it at the base of the emargination. The ovular aperture is provided with a callosity upon the left lip, which is of a beautiful reddish color. The pouter lip is arched, plaited upon the internal edge as often as there are striae externally.
Distribution
This marine species is found in New Zealand and off Tasmania.