3217
Author
Raines, Bret
Author
Huber, Markus
text
Zootaxa
2012
2012-02-29
3217
1
106
journal article
11755334
Leiosolenus
(
Leiosolenus
) aff.
laevigatus
(
Quoy & Gaimard, 1835
)
Figures 6 D–G
Lithodomus laevigatus
Quoy & Gaimard, 1835
: p. 464
, pl. 78, figs. 17, 18.
Lithophaga laevigata
(
Quoy & Gaimard, 1835
)
—
Tröndlé & Boutet, 2009
: p. 4
.
Leiosolenus
(
Leiosolenus
)
laevigatus
(
Quoy & Gaimard, 1835
)
—
Huber, 2010
: p. 119
, fig. 10.
Material examined.
Three partial valves (ca.
9 to 11 mm
) (BK).
Diagnosis.
Leiosolenus laevigatus
is a small lithophagid up to
40 mm
, thin, fragile and with a smooth exterior. The ventral margin is straight to slightly convex, gradually bending upwards at both ends; the dorsal margin is centrally angulated, gently bending to a straight line at both extremities. The periostracum is pale yellowish at the anteroventral end and light brown at the posterodorsal end. The posterior incrustations are firmly adhered and protrude slightly, up to
1–2 mm
only, ending in a somewhat serrated pattern.
Remarks.
The size, shape and calcareous deposits clearly place these partial valves within the genus
Leiosolenus
. Unfortunately, the important specific level characteristics are unavailable due to the missing posterior portions of each specimen. However, from the lack of oblique sculpture
L. mucronatus
(
Philippi, 1846
)
, known from
Marquesas Islands
and the Hawaiian Islands, can be excluded. From the color, shape and sculpture
L. aristatus
(
Dillwyn, 1817
)
, known from the Hawaiian Islands, is also excluded. Lastly, the shape and sculpture would exclude
L. malaccanus
(
Reeve, 1857
)
, well known from
Marquesas Islands
and likely also found in the Hawaiian Islands.
FIGURE 6. A–C
,
Amygdalum peasei
(
Newcomb, 1870
)
;
A
, Exterior RV, 16.23 mm in length;
B
, Dorsal view of same specimen;
C
, Close-up of the prodissoconch and nepioconch, arrows indicating boundaries;
D–G
,
Leiosolenus
(
Leiosolenus
) aff.
laevigatus
(
Quoy & Gaimard, 1835
)
;
D
, Exterior RV, ca. 11 mm in length;
E
, Interior of same valve;
F
, Exterior LV, ca. 10.5 mm in length;
G
, Interior of same valve.
Leiosolenus laevigatus
is known from the
Marquesas Islands
, and for also being comparatively small in size elsewhere. As with other species in this group,
L. laevigatus
chemically bores into various living corals, as well as shells.
Habitat.
Occasionally found at several locations around
EI
, dead in sand, from
30–80 m
.
Distribution.
Leiosolenus laevigatus
was originally described from Port Dorey, New
Guinea
, but ranges from Timor,
Indonesia
to Okinawa, as well as the Society Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago and Gambier Islands. However, it is not known from the Hawaiian Islands, Kermadec Islands or
New Zealand
. Easter Island appears to be a possible range extension—
E4
.