Leiosolenus (Leiosolenus) aff. laevigatus ( Quoy & Gaimard, 1835 )

Raines, Bret & Huber, Markus, 2012, 3217, Zootaxa 3217, pp. 1-106 : 15-17

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.

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.