Rossiteria nucleus ( Philippi, 1850 )

Herbert, David G., 2024, The Umboniinae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Trochidae) of New Caledonia, with descriptions of two new genera and eight new species, plus an additional new species from the Bismarck Sea, European Journal of Taxonomy 973, pp. 1-143 : 42-53

Rossiteria nucleus ( Philippi, 1850)

Figs 21–25

Trochus nucleus Philippi, 1850: 171 . Type locality: none given; here designated: Nouméa, New Caledonia (see Remarks below).

Trochus nucleus – Philippi 1846–1855: 306 [1855], pl. 44 fig. 9 [1850]. — Fischer 1878 in 1875–1880: 256, pl. 86 fig. 2.

Monilea (Solanderia) nuclea – Pilsbry 1890 in 1889–1890: 257, pl. 61 figs 31–32.

Gibbula (Rossiteria) nucleus – Brazier 1895: 728.

Monilea (Rossiteria) nuclea – Schepman 1908: 45.

Monilea nuclea – Hedley 1910: 353.

Monilea nucleus – Orr Maes 1967: 103: pl. 3 fig. H. — Cernohorsky 1978: 35, pl. 9 fig. 6. — Fukuda 1993: 25, pl. 6 fig. 74; 1995: 35.

Rossiteria nuclea – Hickman & McLean 1990: fig. 82d. — Higo et al. 1999: 68. — Sasaki 2000: 81, fig. 133. — Héros et al. 2007: 209.

Rossiteria nucleus – Wilson 1993: 94. — Hylleberg & Kilburn 2003: 26. — Poppe et al. 2006: 110, pl. 58 fig. 6. — Poppe & Tagaro 2008: 202, pl. 46 fig. 8. — Hasegawa 2018: 122.

Etymological note

The Latin word ‘ nucleus ’ m., a kernel, is a noun in apposition and should not be made to agree in gender with the generic name.

Material examined

NEW CALEDONIA – Chesterfield Plateau • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield , Stn DW146; 19°37′ S, 158°16′ E; depth 44 m; 30 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis - CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW122; 19°28′ S, 158°17′ E; depth 32 m; 29 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis - CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield , Stn DW158; 19°46′ S, 158°17′ E; depth 28 m; 1 Aug. 1988; NO Coriolis - CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield , Stn DW155; 19°49′ S, 158°25′ E; depth 42 m; 1 Aug. 1988; NO Coriolis - CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield , Stn DW128; 19°28′ S, 158°30′ E; depth 38 m; 29 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis - CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield , Stn DW110; 19°09′ S, 158°56′ E; depth 40 m; 28 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis - CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 7 specimens, living; Plateau des Chesterfield , Stn DW87; 19°06′ S, 159°00′ E; depth 31 m; 26 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis - CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN. – d’Entrecasteaux Reefs – Lagon Nord – Belep • 9 specimens, living; Atoll de Huon , Stn 438; 18°10′ S, 162°51′ E; depth 37 m; 25 Feb. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Atoll de Huon, Stn 443; 18°00′ S, 162°55′ E; depth 40 m; 25 Feb. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 3 specimens, living; Atoll de Huon , Stn 441; 18°04′ S, 162°56′ E; depth 37 m; 25 Feb. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 5 specimens, dead; Atoll de Surprise, Stn 446; 18°19′ S, 163°04′ E; depth 36 m; 28 Feb. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Atoll de Surprise, Stn 448; 18°22′ S, 163°07′ E; depth 30 m; 28 Feb. 1985; B. RicherORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Atoll de Surprise, Stn 449; 18°22′ S, 163°09′ E; depth 21 m; 28 Feb. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 15 specimens, living; Atoll de Surprise, Stn 454; 18°30′ S, 163°10′ E; depth 36 m; 28 Feb. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn 1197; 19°36′ S, 163°22′ E; depth 41 m; 1 Nov. 1989; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Lagon Nord , Stn 478; 18°53′ S, 163°27′ E; depth 35 m; 2 Mar. 1985; B. RicherORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Lagon Nord , Stn 482; 18°59′ S, 163°31′ E; depth 33 m; 2 Mar. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn 1217; 19°52′ S, 163°36′ E; depth 30 m; 3 Nov. 1989; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 1118; 19°35′ S, 163°52′ E; depth 30 m; 25 Oct. 1989; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 1105; 19°40′ S, 163°57′ E; depth 25 m; 25 Oct. 1989; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 1087; 19°48′ S, 164°00′ E; depth 24 m; 24 Oct. 1989; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Ouégoa • 1 specimen, living; mouth of Diahot River, Stn KD590; 20°16.6′ S, 164°18.2′ E; depth 1 m; 23 Nov. 2019; LPR-NC DIAHOT leg.; sédiment sombre sablo-vaseux à Halophila ; DNA voucher; MNHN-IM-2019-9897 • 1 specimen, dead; Pointe de Pam, Stn KM310; 20°13.9′ S, 164°19.4′ E; depth 0 m; 17 Sep. 2018; LPR-NC MISCELLANEA leg.; palétuviers en bord de mer, estran avec sable sombre, vaseux, herbier; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Pouébo • 1 specimen, living; Stn 898; 20°14′ S, 164°27′ E; depth 22 m; 14 Jan. 1987; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Poum • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 1025; 20°07′ S, 163°49′ E; depth 25–28 m; 3 May 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 1016; 20°09′ S, 163°49′ E; depth 19–20 m; 3 May 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 1017; 20°08′ S, 163°51′ E; depth 21 m; 3 May 1988; B. RicherORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 1007; 20°12′ S, 163°52′ E; depth 23–24 m; 2 May 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 990; 20°19′ S, 163°55′ E; depth 22– 23 m; 30 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 984; 20°21′ S, 163°56′ E; depth 21–23 m; 30 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 989; 20°18′ S, 163°57′ E; depth 21 m; 30 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 985; 20°20′ S, 163°58′ E; depth 15–17 m; 30 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 982; 20°22′ S, 163°59′ E; depth 34–48 m; 29 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 7 specimens, living; Stn 961; 20°29′ S, 164°02′ E; depth 19–20 m; 28 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Koumac • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 954; 20°31′ S, 164°03′ E; depth 15– 17 m; 28 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 5 specimens, living; Stn KD537; 20°31′ S, 164°03.3′ E; depth 12 m; 6 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc, éponges; DNA voucher; MNHN- IM-2019-7683 • 7 specimens, living; Stn KD532; 20°31.3′ S, 164°04′ E; depth 12–13 m; 5 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc nu; MNHN • 8 specimens, living; Stn KD536; 20°31.1′ S, 164°05.1′ E; depth 13 m; 6 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; petits débris coralliens, éponges; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn KD533; 20°32.2′ S, 164°05.5′ E; depth 11 m; 5 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc nu; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KD565; 20°32.9′ S, 164°05.7′ E; depth 3 m; 15 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc et algues vertes filamenteuses et cotoneuses; MNHN • 8 specimens, living; Stn 953; 20°32′ S, 164°06′ E; depth 18–19 m; 28 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 19 specimens, living; Stn KD563; 20°33.4′ S, 164°06.3′ E; depth 5 m; 15 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KR 217; 20°33.8′ S, 164°06.3′ E; depth 2–5 m; 24 Feb. 2019; KOUMAC 2.2 leg.; MNHN • 7 specimens, dead; Pointe de Babouillat, Stn 1292; 20°22.4′ S, 164°06.8′ E; depth 0 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, fonds meubles; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn 947; 20°33′ S, 164°07′ E; depth 17–18 m; 28 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 8 specimens, living; Stn KD534; 20°32.4′ S, 164°07.2′ E; depth 16 m; 5 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc, éponges, Halophila , algues brunes, Halimeda ; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; NW Récif du Baron, Stn KR 622; 20°33.3′ S, 164°09.7′ E; depth 12 m; 20 Sep. 2018; KOUMAC 2.1 leg.; fond de sable envasé avec massifs d’Acropora morts; MNHN • 7 specimens, living; Stn 945; 20°35′ S, 164°10′ E; depth 15–16 m; 28 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Passe du Baron, Stn KR 644; 20°33.8′ S, 164°10.3′ E; depth unknown; 29 Sep. 2018; KOUMAC 2.1 leg.; fonds blancs; MNHN • 10 specimens, living; Passe du Baron, Stn 1307; 20°33.7′ S, 164°10.3′ E; depth 12 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable à Heteropsammia ; MNHN • 15 specimens, living; Grand Récif de Koumac, Stn KR 218; 20°36.1′ S, 164°10.5′ E; depth 11 m; 16 Sep. 2018; KOUMAC 2.1 leg.; patate sur fonds blancs; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KD539; 20°34.1′ S, 164°10.6′ E; depth 11 m; 6 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; algues brunes, éponges; DNA voucher; MNHN-IM-2019-7696 • 9 specimens, living; Stn 943; 20°37′ S, 164°11′ E; depth 15 m; 28 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 24 specimens, living; Chenal de l’Infernet, Stn 1305; 20°36.2′ S, 164°11.0′ E; depth 12–15 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable gris; MNHN • 12 specimens, living; Stn KD543; 20°35.4′ S, 164°11.1′ E; depth 15 m; 7 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable gris et algues; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 944; 20°35′ S, 164°12′ E; depth 14–15 m; 28 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 7 specimens, living; Stn KD556; 20°32.9′ S, 164°12.2′ E; depth 5–6 m; 11 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable gris; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Îlot Magone, Stn 1283; 20°33.5′ S, 164°12.2′ E; depth 0 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, platier sableux; MNHN • 16 specimens, living; Chenal de l’Infernet, Stn 1306; 20°39.1′ S, 164°12.4′ E; depth 11–13 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; fonds blancs; MNHN • 9 specimens, dead; Stn KD518; 20°34.7′ S, 164°12.5′ E; depth 5–6 m; 1 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable gris à Halophila ; MNHN • 6 specimens, living; Stn KD517; 20°36.3′ S, 164°12.7′ E; depth 11 m; 1 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable gris à Halophila ; MNHN • 6 specimens, living; Stn KD542; 20°38.6′ S, 164°12.7′ E; depth 11 m; 7 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable gris; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Récif l’Infernet, Stn 1302; 20°35.8′ S, 164°12.7′ E; depth 9–10 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; pentes interne; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; Îlot Tangadiou, Stn 1282; 20°33.5′ S, 164°13.0′ E; depth 0 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, platier d’îlot, fonds mixtes; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 941; 20°39′ S, 164°13′ E; depth 15–16 m; 27 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 7 specimens, living; Stn 942; 20°37′ S, 164°13′ E; depth 15 m; 28 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; lagoon between the land and l’Infernet, Stn 1299; 20°34.4′ S, 164°13.0′ E; depth 12–14 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; dalle à gorgones, limon; MNHN • 8 specimens, living; between Grand Récif de Koumac and l’Infernet, Stn KR 616; 20°38.5′ S, 164°13.1′ E; depth 15 m; 15 Sep. 2018; KOUMAC 2.1 leg.; fonds blancs; DNA vouchers: MNHN-IM-2013-84630 to -84635 • 22 specimens, dead; Chenal de l’Infernet, Stn 1304; 20°38.6′ S, 164°13.2′ E; depth 12–15 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable gris, dalle; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KS521; 20°38.4′ S, 164°13.2′ E; depth 16 m; 23 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc à Halophila ; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn KD541; 20°39′ S, 164°13.3′ E; depth 11 m; 7 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable gris; MNHN • 5 specimens, living; around l’Îlot Kendec, Stn 1309; 20°40.5′ S, 164°13.4′ E; depth 18 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable gris; MNHN • 5 specimens, living; Stn KD516; 20°39.2′ S, 164°13.5′ E; depth 10 m; 1 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable gris; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KS510; 20°34.3′ S, 164°13.5′ E; depth 10 m; 6 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; dalle ensablée à gorgones, caulerpes, de lagon; MNHN • 3 specimens, living; Stn KS522; 20°39.3′ S, 164°13.6′ E; depth 15 m; 23 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc à Halophila ; MNHN • 10 specimens, living; Stn KD568; 20°40.1′ S, 164°14.3′ E; depth 2 m; 16 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc et quelques débris coralliens; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Récif de l’Infernet, Stn KB600; 20°36.6′ S, 164°14.4′ E; depth 1 m; 28 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; corail mort, corail vivant, débris de tombant interne de massif corallien intermédiaire, corail mort, débris, qq coraux vivants de platier de massif corallien intermédiaire; MNHN • 7 specimens, dead; Récif de l’Infernet, Stn KS500; 20°36.6′ S, 164°14.4′ E; depth 3 m; 28 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; patch corallien de terrasse sableuse d’arrière récif de massif corallien intermédiaire; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KD561; 20°45.4′ S, 164°14.4′ E; depth 1 m; 14 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable grossier; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn KD567; 20°40.1′ S, 164°14.6′ E; depth 2 m; 16 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc et algues vertes filamenteuses; MNHN • 5 specimens, living; Récif de l’Infernet, Stn KR 632; 20°37.5′ S, 164°14.7′ E; depth 8 m; 25 Sep. 2018; KOUMAC 2.1 leg.; bord du platier; DNA voucher, photographed alive (image LC 242); MNHN-IM-2013-85357 • 3 specimens, dead; Chenal de la Passe de Koumac, Stn 1323; 20°40.9′ S, 164°14. 8′ E; depth 82–120 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; fonds blancs; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 937; 20°40′ S, 164°15′ E; depth 50–55 m; 27 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn KD560; 20°45.6′ S, 164°15.2′ E; depth 5–9 m; 14 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc et quelques algues brunes; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Passe Deverd, Stn 1322; 20°45.2′ S, 164°15.2′ E; depth 53–71 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable vaseux; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Chenal de la Passe de Koumac, Stn 1314; 20°39.8′ S, 164°15.3′ E; depth 30–63 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable coquillier vaseux; MNHN • 5 specimens, living; Stn KD559; 20°46′ S, 164°15.5′ E; depth 12–14 m; 14 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc; DNA voucher; MNHN-IM-2019-8827 • 1 specimen, dead; around Plateau Karembé, Stn 1303; 20°30.7′ S, 164°15.9′ E; depth 0–8 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable vaseux, blocs; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 936; 20°41′ S, 164°16′ E; depth 14–15 m; 27 Apr. 1988; B. RicherORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 17 specimens, dead; Plateau Karembé, Stn 1286; 20°38′ S, 164°16′ E; depth 0 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, fonds meubles avec blocs; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn KD572; 20°45.8′ S, 164°16.1′ E; depth 22–23 m; 18 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable grossier, coquilles; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KD510; 20°35.6′ S, 164°16.2′ E; depth 4–6 m; 30 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; debris coralliens et sable grossier; DNA vouchers; MNHN-IM-2019-3431 and -3432 • 11 specimens, living; Stn KD578; 20°43.8′ S, 164°16.4′ E; depth 11–12 m; 19 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.: sable fin gris à Halophila ; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; Stn KD582; 20°43.8′ S, 164°16.4′ E; depth 11–12 m; 21 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable, débris et herbier à Thalassia ; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn KR 1067; 20°38.4′ S, 164°16.5′ E; depth 18 m; 22 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; plateforme sableuse et tombant de massif corallien intermédiaire; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KD554; 20°47′ S, 164°16.8′ E; depth 2–5 m; 13 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc et gros débris de coraux morts; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KD584; 20°35.4′ S, 164°16.8′ E; depth 7 m; 21 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable, herbier à Thalassia , coraux vivants; MNHN • 12 specimens, living; Stn KD574; 20°43.5′ S, 164°16.9′ E; depth 12 m; 19 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable gris à Halophila ; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead, Stn KR 1037; 20°48.4′ S, 164°17′ E; depth 3 m; 12 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; tombant interne de récif barrière et terrasse d’arrière récif; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KD550; 20°41′ S, 164°17.1′ E; depth 5–6 m; 10 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable fin, coraux; MNHN • 13 specimens, living; Stn KD553; 20°47.9′ S, 164°17.2′ E; depth 5–10 m; 13 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc; DNA voucher; MNHN-IM-2019-8671 • 8 specimens, living; Stn KD583; 20°43.5′ S, 164°17.3′ E; depth 12 m; 21 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable fin; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn KS503; 20°37.5′ S, 164°17.4′ E; depth 2 m; 29 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; no substratum data; MNHN • 40 specimens, living; Stn KR 636; 20°39.6′ S, 164°17.5′ E; depth 2–5 m; 27 Sep. 2018; KOUMAC 2.1 leg.; fonds sableux; MNHN • 3 specimens, living; Stn KD587; 20°39.3′ S, 164°17.8′ E; depth 2 m; 22 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable sombre, Halophila , Caulerpa , coraux, Halimeda ; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn KD547; 20°42.2′ S, 164°18.2′ E; depth 2–6 m; 8 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable grossier et herbier; MNHN • 5 specimens, dead; Stn KD552; 20°49.4′ S, 164°18.5′ E; depth 10–11 m; 13 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc; MNHN • 3 specimens, living; Stn KS520; 20°40.2′ S, 164°18.6′ E; depth 5 m; 22 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable à Caulerpa et Halophila ; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; caye de sable devant Kaala-Gomen, Stn 1288; 20°40.0′ S, 164°19.0′ E; depth 11–13 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, fonds meubles; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KB625; 20°46.2′ S, 164°22.6′ E; depth 3–4 m; 6 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; fond vaseux à caulerpe, tombant de platier de récif frangeant; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn 922; 20°51′ S, 164°24′ E; depth 12–13 m; 27 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn 916; 20°56′ S, 164°28′ E; depth 13 m; 26 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 4 specimens, dead; Stn 905; 20°59′ S, 164°37′ E; depth 56–57 m; 26 Apr. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Touho • 33 specimens, living; parages de la Thiem, Stn 1268; 20°45.2′ S, 165°08.0′ E; depth 9–11 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable fin; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Îlot Ouao (=Î. Camille), Stn 1246; 20°42.8′ S, 165°08.7′ E; depth 0–1 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, platier, sable, herbier; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Anse de Tiouandé, Stn 1267; 20°46.0′ S, 165°13.0′ E; depth 6–15 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable fin; MNHN • 6 specimens, living; abords de la Baie de Touho, Stn 1251; 20°46.0′ S, 165°13.0′ E; depth 6–15 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; vase, sable, herbiers; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Baie de Touho, Stn 1250; 20°46.7′ S, 165°13.7′ E; depth 3–6 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable vaseux; MNHN • 10 specimens, dead; Baie de Touho, Stn 1237; 20°46.9′ S, 165°13.8′ E; depth 0–1 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable fin et herbiers abrités; MNHN • 18 specimens, living; platform off the wharf of Touho, Stn 1242; 20°46.2′ S, 165°14.5′ E; depth 0 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, blocs, sable, herbiers; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; between Baie de Touho and Îlot Atit, Stn 1240; 20°46.5′ S, 165°15′ E; depth 0–2 m; 1 Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; platier abrité, sable, herbier; MNHN • 4 specimens, dead; Lagon du Grand Récif Mengalia, Stn 1264; 20°44.5′ S, 165°15.9′ E; depth 8 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; vase sableuse, dôme détritique; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Lagon du Grand Récif Mengalia, Stn 1263; 20°45.0′ S, 165°16.0′ E; depth 6 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable vaseux avec patés coralliens; MNHN • 8 specimens, dead; Grand Récif Mengalia, Stn 1245; 20°45.2′ S, 165°16.3′ E; depth 0 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, platier, sable, herbiers; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Bourail • 11 specimens, dead; Lagon de Poé, Stn 1324; 21°36.9′ S, 165°22.7′ E; depth 0–2 m; 1 Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; fonds mixtes, herbier; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Baie de St Vincent • 4 specimens, living; Stn 214; 21°55′ S, 165°48′ E; depth 12 m; 20 Sep. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 216; 21°53′ S, 165°49′ E; depth 14 m; 21 Sep. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 212; 21°56′ S, 165°53′ E; depth 10 m; 20 Sep. 1984; B. RicherORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; Stn 186; 22°04′ S, 166°00′ E; depth 11 m; 19 Sep. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 6 specimens, living; Stn 163; 22°12′ S, 166°08′ E; depth 15 m; 18 Sep. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Nouméa • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE56; 22°08.4′ S, 166°07.7′ E; depth 19–20 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE54; 22°11.9′ S, 166°08.3′ E; depth 13 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de ForgesIRD leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 51; 22°15′ S, 166°11′ E; depth 10 m; 25 May 1984; B. RicherORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE52; 22°15.1′ S, 166°11.3′ E; depth 9–10 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 8 specimens, living; Stn 50; 22°17′ S, 166°12′ E; depth 12 m; 25 May 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; Stn DE51; 22°16.8′ S, 166°12.5′ E; depth 10–11 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE50; 22°18.0′ S, 166°14.1′ E; depth 15–16 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn DE49; 22°19.8′ S, 166°14.5′ E; depth 19–20 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Grand Récif Aboré, Stn 1346; 22°21.9′ S, 166°16.1′ E; depth 5–6 m; 5 Oct. 1992; P. Bouchet leg.; fonds blanc; MNHN • 3 specimens, living; Stn 8; 22°23′ S, 166°18′ E; depth 15 m; 21 May 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 7 specimens, dead; Quatre Bancs de l’Ouest, Stn 1510; 22°26.47′ S, 166°18.35′ E; depth 0–1 m; 26 Oct. 2000; Cosel and Trondlé leg.; drague à main; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE46; 22°23.4′ S, 166°18.8′ E; depth 10–11 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • ± 20 specimens, dead; Récif Senez, Stn 1350; 22°17.9′ S, 166°19.6′ E; depth 3–6 m; 23 Nov. 1992; Bouchet and Marshall leg.; pente interne; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; Stn 257; 22°22′ S, 166°20′ E; depth 9 m; 7 Nov. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn 7; 22°24′ S, 166°20′ E; depth 14 m; 21 May 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Grand Récif Aboré, Stn 1347; 22°23.6′ S, 166°20.1′ E; depth 10 m; 8 Oct. 1992; P. Bouchet leg.; vase sableuse sur dalle; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn 258; 22°21′ S, 166°21′ E; depth 10 m; 7 Nov. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 40+ specimens, living; Crouy; 22°21.5′ S, 166°21.7′ E; depth 1–6 m; 1990–2003; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 20 specimens, living; Crouy; 22°21.5′ S, 166°21.7′ E; depth 1–6 m; 1990–2003; Berthault leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; SE Sèche Croissant, Stn 1508; 22°18.6′ S, 166°21.8′ E; depth unknown; 25 Oct. 2000; Cosel and Trondlé leg.; drague à main; MNHN • 25 specimens, dead; SE Sèche Croissant, Stn 1508; 22°18.6′ S, 166°21.8′ E; depth unknown; 25 Oct. 2000; Cosel and Trondlé leg.; drague à main; MNHN • 16 specimens, dead; SE Sèche Croissant, Stn 1507; 22°19.6′ S, 166°22.4′ E; depth unknown; 25 Oct. 2000; Cosel and Trondlé leg.; drague à main, récolte à vue; MNHN • 13 specimens, dead; Île aux Goélands, Stn 1503; 22°22.4′ S, 166°22.5′ E; depth 5-7 m; 21 Oct. 2000; Cosel and Trondlé leg.; MNHN • 33 specimens, living; Île aux Goélands; 22°22.4′ S, 166°22.8′ E; depth 0–4 m; 1997–1999; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 9 specimens, living; Stn 281; 22°24′ S, 166°24′ E; depth 10 m; 9 Nov. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 2; 22°19′ S, 166°24′ E; depth 14 m; 21 May 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Îlot Maître, Stn 1361; 22°20.2′ S, 166°24.3′ E; depth 6 m; 24 Mar. 1993; P. Bouchet leg.; sable grossier dans herbier mixte; MNHN • 66 specimens, living; Stn DE43; 22°26.5′ S, 166°24.3′ E; depth 11–12 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 12 specimens, living; Îlot Maître, Stn 1501; 22°19.6′ S, 166°24.7′ E; depth 5–7 m; 21 Oct. 2000; Cosel and Trondlé leg.; MNHN • 9 specimens, living; Nouville Antenne F.C.R.; 22°16.17′ S, 166°24.77′ E; depth 0–3 m; 2000–2002; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 11 specimens, living; Ile Ouen-Baie du Prony, Stn 64; 22°28′ S, 166°25′ E; depth 15 m; 20 Aug. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 284; 22°26′ S, 166°25′ E; depth 6 m; 9 Nov. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE42; 22°27.5′ S, 166°25.3′ E; depth 15 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de ForgesIRD leg.; MNHN • 30 specimens, living; Anse aux Boeufs, Stn 1500; 22°16.06′ S, 166°25.4′ E; depth 4–6 m; 21 Oct. 2000; Cosel and Trondlé leg.; MNHN • 15 specimens, living; Anse Vata, Stn 1516; 22°18.21′ S, 166°26.30′ E; depth 2–3 m; 30 Oct. 2000; Berthault , Cosel and Trondlé leg.; MNHN • 8 specimens, living; Anse Vata; 22°18.21′ S, 166°26.30′ E; depth 1–5 m; 2 Dec. 2001; Berthault leg.; MNHN • 28 specimens, living; Anse Vata; 22°18.21′ S, 166°26.30′ E; depth 1–5 m; 6 Jan. 2002; Berthault leg.; MNHN • 22 specimens, living; Anse Vata; 22°18.21′ S, 166°26.30′ E; depth 1–5 m; 12 Feb. 2002; Berthault leg.; MNHN • 26 specimens, living; Anse Vata; 22°18.21′ S, 166°26.30′ E; depth 1–5 m; 14 Apr. 2002; Berthault leg.; MNHN • 21 specimens, living; Anse Vata; 22°18.21′ S, 166°26.30′ E; depth 1–5 m; 16 May 2002; Berthault leg.; MNHN • 1000+ specimens, living; Anse Vata; 22°18.1′ S, 166°26.4′ E; depth 1–5 m; 1987–2007; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 29 specimens, living; Baie des Citrons; 22°17.2′ S, 166°26.0′ E; depth 1–3 m; 30 Oct. 2000; Cosel and Trondlé leg.; sable fin, coraux; MNHN • 36 specimens, living; Baie des Citrons; 22°18.06′ S, 166°26.07′ E; depth 1–5 m; 7 Feb. 2002; Berthault leg.; MNHN • 150+ specimens, living; Baie des Citrons; 22°18.06′ S, 166°26.07′ E; depth 1–5 m; 1987–2007; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 20 specimens, living; Baie des Citrons; 22°18.06′ S, 166°26.07′ E; depth 1–5 m; 21 Mar. 2002; Berthault leg.; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; Ile Ouen-Baie du Prony, Stn 66; 22°28′ S, 166°27′ E; depth 15 m; 20 Aug. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Plage Magenta; 22°16′ S, 166°28.12′ E; depth 0 m; 4 Jan. 2002; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 19 specimens, living; Plage Magenta; 22°16′ S, 166°28.2′ E; depth 0–1 m; 1987–2003; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 26 specimens, living; Baie de Sainte Marie-Îlot Uéré; 22°18.5′ S, 166°28.3′ E; depth 0–3 m; 1995-2003; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE38; 22°33.6′ S, 166°28.6′ E; depth 22–24 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Ile Ouen-Baie du Prony, Stn 83; 22°32′ S, 166°30′ E; depth 22 m; 21 Aug. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn DE36; 22°35.5′ S, 166°32.0′ E; depth 17–19 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 8 specimens, dead; Ile Ouen-Baie du Prony, Stn 98; 22°36′ S, 166°32′ E; depth 15 m; 21 Aug. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Ile Ouen-Baie du Prony, Stn 95; 22°31′ S, 166°33′ E; depth 14 m; 21 Aug. 1984; B. RicherORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Ile Ouen-Baie du Prony, Stn 226; 22°38′ S, 166°39′ E; depth 28 m; 22 Oct. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Grand Récif Sud, Stn 293; 22°42′ S, 166°41′ E; depth 20 m; 26 Nov. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Ile Ouen-Baie du Prony, Stn 233; 22°35′ S, 166°46′ E; depth 30 m; 22 Oct. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Grand Récif Sud, Stn 544; 22°51′ S, 166°49′ E; depth 25 m; 15 Jul. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Île des Pins • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 590; 22°34′ S, 167°24′ E; depth 20 m; 18 Jul. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 5 specimens, dead; Stn 591; 22°36′ S, 167°24′ E; depth 14 m; 18 Jul. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Loyalty Islands, Loyalty Ridge • 3 specimens, living; Stn DW435; 20°21′ S, 166°08′ E; depth 32 m; 18 Feb. 1989; NO Alis -MUSORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Loyalty Islands, Ouvéa • 1 specimen, dead; Lagon d’Ouvéa, Stn 1226; 20°32′ S, 166°24′ E; depth 21 m; 9 Sep. 1992; NO Alis -PLOUVEAL leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Lagon d’Ouvéa, Stn 1225; 20°36′ S, 166°28′ E; depth 18 m; 7 Sep. 1992; NO Alis - PLOUVEAL leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Lagon d’Ouvéa, Stn 1224; 20°32′ S, 166°28′ E; depth 18 m; 11 Sep. 1992; NO Alis -PLOUVEAL leg.; MNHN • 7 specimens, living; Lagon d’Ouvéa, Stn 1233; 20°29.1′ S, 166°29.0′ E; depth 15 m; 12 Sep. 1992; NO Alis -PLOUVEAL leg.; MNHN • 7 specimens, living; Lagon d’Ouvéa, Stn 1222; 20°28′ S, 166°30′ E; depth 15 m; 12 Sep. 1992; NO Alis , Campagne PLOUVEAL leg.; MNHN • 11 specimens, living; Lagon d’Ouvéa, Stn 1218; 20°36′ S, 166°30′ E; depth 13 m; 7 Sep. 1992; NO Alis , Campagne PLOUVEAL leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Lagon d’Ouvéa, Stn 1221; 20°29′ S, 166°31′ E; depth 10 m; 11 Sep. 1992; NO Alis -PLOUVEAL leg.; MNHN. – Loyalty Islands, Lifou • 1 specimen, living; Baie du Santal, north of Cap Aimé Martin [= Acadro], Stn 1450; 20°45.8′ S, 167°01.6′ E; depth 27–31 m; 17 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; brossages; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Baie du Santal, Baie de Gaatcha, Stn 1463; 20°55′ S, 167°03.3′ E; depth 20–30 m; 10 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 ; dragages sable et débris coralliens; MNHN • 50+ specimens, living; Baie du Santal, in front of landing beaches at Drueulu, Stn 1413; 20°55.3′ S, 167°05.0′ E; depth 3–10 m; 26 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; fonds meubles; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Baie du Santal, in front of Huneté, Stn 1414; 20°45.9′ S, 167°06.2′ E; depth 4–7 m; 20 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; drague triangulaire; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Baie du Santal, to east of Pointe d’Easo, Stn 1418; 20°46.9′ S, 167°07.9′ E; depth 1–5 m; 25 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; sable et herbier autour du wharf; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Baie du Santal, in front of Chépénéhé, Stn 1415; 20°47.1′ S, 167°09.1′ E; depth 3–7 m; 25 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; sable; MNHN • 10 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, in front of Kiki, Stn 1411; 20°47.6′ S, 167°10.4′ E; depth 48 m; 23 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; sable entre patates; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, NE of the Baie at Cila, Stn 1416; 20°49.2′ S, 167°10.7′ E; depth 5–7 m; 26 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; drague; MNHN .

Description ( Fig. 21 )

SHELL. Although variable in colour and patterning, Rossiteria nucleus is a distinctive species. Shell robust, of moderate size (adult diameter up to 12 mm), height and diameter usually approximately equal, occasionally slightly taller than wide; spire conical and suture rather shallowly indented; last adult whorl deep and evenly rounded; base umbilicate, but not widely so. Sculpture comprising unevenly spaced spiral cords, often with finer spiral lirae in their intervals; spiral elements crossed by close-set, curved, axial riblets producing a finely granular reticulation ( Fig. 22B ). Most distinctive are features of the aperture – columella thickened and concave, bulging into umbilicus; lower half of its inner lip bears 4–5 small, rounded nodules, increasing in size toward base; at junction of columella and basal lips there is a distinct notch which truncates the columella, creating a tooth-like bulge; interior of outer lip thick and bearing up to 20 close-set, in-running ridges. Edge of outer lip shallowly concave above periphery, but deeply notched below it ( Fig. 22A ); notch marked externally by a broader or deeper interval between spiral cords.

COLOUR. Colour and pattern highly variable; most common form a pepper and salt pattern of dark brownish to black marks on a whitish to pale fawn-brown ground; dark marks normally a mixture of blotches, axial bands and small spots; blotches frequently spirally aligned in subsutural, peripheral and/or mid-basal bands, smaller spots usually situated on spiral cords. Less frequently ground colour pale rose-pink ( Fig. 21G ); apical surface of whorls almost devoid of pigmentation in some individuals ( Fig. 21D ). Shell apex usually whitish, but protoconch and first 2–3 teleoconch whorls not infrequently pinkish, reddish, dark maroon-brown or almost black ( Fig. 21I–L ). Ground colour may include some buffish spiral bands and there may be evidence of a corneous periostracal layer with some orangish superficial deposit, particularly on base.

PROTOCONCH ( Fig. 22C ). Typically umboniine, diameter ±190 µm; apical beak present and confluent with terminal lip; apical bulb sculptured with an irregular network of threads, almost hexagonal in places, remainder with distinct subspiral threads; terminal lip weakly convex.

OPERCULUM ( Fig. 23A–B ). Corneous, yellowish-brown; comprising relatively few, broad whorls and with long growing margin; surface with fine spiral microsculpture; peripheral fringe narrow, its radial striations indistinct, but sometimes evident where whorls overlap.

RADULA ( Fig. 23C–F ). Formula ∞ +(1) +5+1 +5+(1)+ ∞, with 30–40 transverse rows of teeth; rachidian trigonal, with bluntly rounded vestige of shaft; laterals 1–2 subtriangular, with convex outer margin and anterior shaft vestige, remaining laterals elongate-rectangular. Innermost marginal transitional, with stout base-plate and reduced shaft and cusp; remaining marginal teeth well developed, with narrow shaft and strongly recurved cusp; cusps of inner marginal series lanceolate with 2–3 small denticles at base of outer margin and 3–5 finer denticles along inner margin (usually hidden by tooth overlap); marginals 5–10 with largest cusps, gradually decreasing in size toward radula margin, and with more numerous, finer denticles, outermost ones with finely pectinate margins.

EXTERNAL ANATOMY (from photographs and rehydrated specimens) ( Fig. 24 ). Snout long, tapering terminally, distal half with numerous slender, digit-like projections; mouth a narrow longitudinal slit; snout emerges from beneath well-developed frontal ridge running between cephalic tentacles; cephalic tentacles long and slender, micropapillate, left and right of similar size; eyestalks very long, their tips conspicuously expanded and containing large black eyes; left neck-lobe comprising ±10 non-papillate digit-like projections; right neck-lobe well developed, rolled to form an elongate exhalant siphon; four micropapillate epipodial tentacles on each side, each with a well-developed stalked epipodial sense organ at its base, that of first epipodial tentacle usually posterior to tentacle base, sometimes lying midway between first and second tentacles; propodium broad, indented in mid-line and pinched in sub-terminally creating a lateral propodial lobe on each side; remainder of foot tapering to a point posteriorly. Snout dark, its digit-like projections whitish; cephalic and epipodial tentacles with fine transverse bands of dark and light pigment; sides of foot and sole translucent greyish-white, with irregular blackish markings and finer opaque cream spots; digits of left neck-lobe cream-white; right neck-lobe with fine, close-set, black and cream spots. Details of ctenidial morphology not clear in rehydrated material.

Habitat

Abundant and widely distributed in lagoonal habitats; living specimens low intertidal to a depth of 30 m (exceptionally 48 m around Lifou where there is no barrier reef), mostly associated with white and grey sandy substrata with seagrasses and green algae. Empty shells to 82 m in lagoon channels and passes.

Distribution ( Fig. 25 )

Southern Japan to the Philippines, Vietnam, eastern Thailand, Banda Sea, northern Australia, New Caledonia and Fiji. Also recorded from the Cocos-Keeling Islands in the eastern Indian Ocean ( Orr Maes 1967). Records from further west in the Indian Ocean require confirmation. The absence of records from Bellona Plateau and the Lansdowne-Fairway Banks is puzzling.

Remarks

A feature rarely noted in this species is the presence of two distinct indentations in the outer lip, either side of the periphery ( Fig. 22A ), the one below the periphery more distinct. When the animal is active, the very long curving eyestalks with large, upwardly-directed eyes project beneath these indentations, extending upward, well beyond the aperture rim and providing the animal with a view of its surroundings while it is engaged in feeding.

As with Trochus belcheri Philippi, 1850 and T. rotellaeformis Philippi, 1850 , I have been unable to trace the whereabouts of the type material of this species. Philippi gave no locality for the original material, and stated only that it came from the travels of Edward Belcher and was in the Silvanus Hanley collection. Fischer (1878 in 1875–1880) appears to have been the first to provide locality data, indicating that the species was abundant in New Caledonia. For this reason, I here designate Nouméa, New Caledonia to be the type locality for Trochus nucleus Philippi, 1850 . In all probability, subsequent molecular studies will need such a designation in order to accurately apply the name.

Rossiteria pseudonucleolus Poppe, Tagaro & Dekker, 2006 from the Philippines closely resembles R. nucleus and, given the extent of intraspecific variation in shell shape, size and coloration evident in the New Caledonian material studied, it is difficult to evaluate the distinctness of the two in the absence of molecular data. R. nucleolus (Pilsbry, 1903) from Japan is a smaller species with a more depressed shell and weaker spiral sculpture (syntype illustrated by Higo et al. 2001: fig. G485).

Figures

Fig. 21. Rossiteria nucleus (Philippi, 1850) (all MNHN). A–C. specimen with typical ‘pepper and salt’ coloration, Koumac, Stn KR636, diameter 10.0 mm. D. Pale specimen, Koumac, Stn KR636, diameter 8.5 mm. E. Elevated specimen, Lifou, Stn 1413, diameter 7.8 mm. F. Large specimen with aberrant sculpture (strong growth scar on fifth whorl suggests damage to mantle edge), Koumac, Stn KD536, diameter 10.9 mm. G. Pink specimen, Koumac, Stn KR217, diameter 6.2 mm. H. Specimen with typical colour pattern and pink apex, Koumac, Stn KR636, diameter 8.0 mm. I–L. Specimens showing variation in coloration of apex, Lifou, Stn 1413, diameters respectively 8.3 mm, 5.9 mm, 5.0 mm and 6.5 mm.

Fig. 22. Rossiteria nucleus (Philippi, 1850) (all MNHN). A. Side view of undamaged outer lip showing concave indentations above and below periphery, Koumac, Stn KR636. B. Oblique view of apical whorls, Koumac, Stn KD574. C. Protoconch, Koumac, Stn KD574. Scale bars: A=1.0 mm; B=250 µm; C=100 µm.

Fig. 23. Rossiteria nucleus (Philippi, 1850), Koumac, Stn KR636 (MNHN). A. Operculum. B. Spiral microsculpture on operculum. C. Radula, entire width. D. Radula, central field and left marginal teeth. E. Radula, latero-marginal transition. F. Radula, detail of inner marginal teeth. Scale bars: A=1.0 mm; B–C =100 µm; D–E =50 µm; F =25 µm.

Fig. 24. Rossiteria nucleus (Philippi, 1850), living specimens. A. Antero-lateral view from right, Koumac, Stn KR632, image Laurent Charles (LC242) (MNHN-IM-2013-85357). B. Ventral view, Koumac, Stn KD516, image Laurent Charles (LC163) (MNHN). Scale bars= 5.0 mm.

Fig. 25. Map of the Coral Sea showing records of Rossiteria nucleus (Philippi, 1850) from New Caledonia. Type locality (designated herein) indicated in pink.