Higher classification Cypraea | Genus Neobernaya Rank Species | |
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Similar Cypraea, Molluscs, Gastropods, Cypraeidae, Pseudozonaria annettae | ||
Neobernaya spadicea, previously known as Cypraea spadicea, whose common name the chestnut cowry, is a species of temperate sea snail, a cowry, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries.
Contents
Distribution
This species resides in temperate waters, chiefly, the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It is relatively common in Southern California, particularly around the Channel Islands. It can also be found in Monterey, California, through Southern California, and south to Cedros Island, in Baja California, Mexico. It is an uncommon sight north of Santa Barbara, California.
Shell description
The adult shell of this species ranges in size from 40 to 65 mm. The name "chestnut cowry" comes from a large patch of a rich chestnut brown on the dorsum of the shell, ringed with a darker brown, against a white background.
Habitat
This species lives on exposed rocky shores in the very low intertidal and subtidal zones. It is found on overhanging rock ledges and on other somewhat sheltered rock surfaces.