SCAPHELLA maculata. Sw.
Olive Volute.
Of this distinct and very remarkable genus of Volutes, few species have hitherto been discovered: the subordinate divisions cannot therefore be traced; nor do we feel satisfied that all the typical characters have been detected: we consider it nevertheless, as a perfectly natural genus, absolutely essential to mark the connection between the Volutes and the Marginillæ. Lamark, indeed, as if aware of this affinity, actually describes one species as a Marginilla. The union of the three aberrant genera of Scaphella, Volutilithes, and Harpula, into one circle, is effected by the Scap. papillaris and the Harpula Lapponica: the former species conducting us at the same time to the typical Volutes, by means of Voluta fulgetrum of Sowerby.
SCAPHELLA maculata.
Olive Volute.
Family Volutidæ. Sub-family Volutinæ. Nob.
Generic Character.
Shell fuciform, invariably smooth and polished: spiral whorls gradually diminishing in size, the apex obtuse but rarely thickened or distorted: pillar generally gibbous in the middle, with from four to six thick and unequal plaits: margin of the outer lip thickened.
Typical Species.—Scaph. undulata. Junonia, maculata, zebra.
Aberrant Species.—Scaph. papillaris, elongata (?)
Specific Character.
Shell small, oval, fulvous, with longitudinal purplish-brown spots, disposed in three transverse bands: spire conical: pillar four plaited, not gibbous.
Voluta maculata. Swains. Bligh. Cat. app. p. 11.
Scaphella maculata is a native of the Australian seas, and is of great rarity. Our drawings were made from one of the beautiful specimens in Mr. Broderip's possession, It is probable that the animals of this genus envelope their shells in an ample mantle, since they are almost always enamelled.