CYMBIOLA vespertilio.
Bat Volute.
The second or sub-typical genus of the Volutes, appears to be represented by this common though elegant species; here figured from one of the largest specimens we have ever seen. The group is chiefly distinguished by the very obtuse but regular termination of its spire, the whorls of which are never distorted or disproportionately inflated: the plaits are always four, and the pillar is never thickened in the middle: the shells of all the typical species are furnished with pointed tubercles; and from their general aspect, do not appear to be covered, like the typical Volutes, by the dilated mantle of the animal, yet the two groups blend into each other by means of the first type of form above indicated.
CYMBIOLA vespertilio.
Bat Volute.
Family Volutidæ. Sub-family Volutinæ. Nob.
Generic Character.
Shell armed with spinous tubercles, sometimes smooth but never ribbed; spiral whorls gradually diminishing in size, but not distorted; the apix thick and obtuse; pillar with four plaits.
Types of Form.—1. Marmorata. Broderpia. Sw. (Cymbiola. Sow.) 2. Vespertilio. Nivosa. Rutila. Aulica. Pulchra. Pacifica. 3. Elongata (?) Gracilis. Magnifica. Tuberculata. 4. ——? 5. Lugubris.
Specific Character.
Shell armed with spinous tubercles, pale fulvous with remote angular waved lines of brown; spiral whorls plaited; pillar with four plaits.
Voluta vespertilio. Lam. Sys. 7. 1. p. 336.
As we have deemed it advisable to employ the name of Cymbiola, (hitherto used in a specific sense), as a generic appellation for the whole group, we trust that those who may adopt our views, will hereafter distinguish the Voluta cymbiola of Sowerby, now in the cabinet of Mr. Broderip, by the name of Cymbiola Broderpia, in just commemoration of a gentleman whose knowledge of conchology, and whose general labours in the cause of science we have so often had occasion to honour.