Sericominolia lifuana ( Fischer, 1878 )

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 : 55-65

Sericominolia lifuana ( Fischer, 1878) status revised

Figs 26–28

Trochus (Monilea) lifuanus Fischer, 1878: 63 . Type locality: “ins. Lifu” [Lifou], Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia (Pierre Lambert).

Monilea lifuana – Souverbie & Montrouzier 1879: 30, pl. 3 fig. 5. — Hedley 1899: 405; 1910: 353. Talopena lifuana – Iredale 1929b: 171.

Monilea (Monilea) lifuana – Ladd 1966: 40, pl. 5 figs 13–14.

Trochus (Monilea) lifuanus – Herbert 1996: 428 [additional chresonymy], figs 38–40 [holotype]. Talopena vernicosa (non Gould, 1861) – Héros et al. 2007: 210.

Sericominolia vernicosa (non Gould, 1861) – Boutet et al. 2020: 152.

Material examined

Holotype ( Fig. 26A–D )

NEW CALEDONIA • Loyalty Islands, Lifou ; MHNBx 2004 .TY.184 .

Other material

NEW CALEDONIA – Plateau Chesterfield-Bellona • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW122; 19°28′ S, 158°17′ E; depth 32 m; 29 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW152; 19°52′ S, 158°20′ E; depth 51 m; 1 Aug. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 4 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW156; 19°49′ S, 158°21′ E; depth 42 m; 1 Aug. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW72; 19°15′ S, 158°21′ E; depth 32 m; 1 Aug. 1988; NO Coriolis - CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW134; 19°31′ S, 158°22′ E; depth 47 m; 30 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW144; 19°28′ S, 158°23′ E; depth 50 m; 30 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW150; 19°54′ S, 158°25′ E; depth 39 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 • 5 specimens, living; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW166; 19°41′ S, 158°25′ E; depth 56 m; 2 Aug. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW101; 19°09′ S, 158°26′ E; depth 37 m; 27 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau Chesterfield-Bellona, Stn D45; 20°48.93′ S, 158°30.31′ E; depth 50 m; Jul. 1984; CHALCAL 1 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau Chesterfield-Bellona, Stn D28; 19°24.18′ S, 158°31.40′ E; depth 51 m; Jul. 1984; CHALCAL 1 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW103; 19°01′ S, 158°32′ E; depth 58 m; 27 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW50; 19°18.3′ S, 158°33.6′ E; depth 50 m; 23 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau Chesterfield-Bellona, Stn D26; 19°10.72′ S, 158°34.95′ E; depth 48 m; Jul. 1984; CHALCAL 1 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW40; 19°29′ S, 158°35′ E; depth 58 m; 23 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis - CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau Chesterfield-Bellona, Stn D49; 20°58,20′ S, 158°35.00′ E; depth 48 m; Jul. 1984; CHALCAL 1 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau Chesterfield-Bellona, Stn D24; 19°10.78′ S, 158°37.10′ E; depth 38 m; Jul. 1984; CHALCAL 1 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW106; 19°09′ S, 158°43′ E; depth 62 m; 25 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW38; 19°22′ S, 158°43′ E; depth 61 m; 23 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW94; 19°06′ S, 158°50′ E; depth 36–53 m; 1 Aug. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 5 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW82; 19°12′ S, 158°50′ E; depth 62 m; 25 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW61; 19°15′ S, 158°54′ E; depth 54 m; 24 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW91; 19°03′ S, 158°55′ E; depth 43 m; 26 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW34; 19°22′ S, 158°56′ E; depth 47 m; 23 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Chesterfield Plateau, Stn DW59; 19°19′ S, 158°57′ E; depth 50 m; 24 Jul. 1988; B. Richer-ORSTOM, leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Plateau des Chesterfield, Stn DW84; 19°12′ S, 158°57′ E; depth 16– 26 m; 25 Jul. 1988; NO Coriolis -CORAIL 2 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Plateau Chesterfield-Bellona, Stn D60; 21°48.65′ S, 159°27.95′ E; depth 45 m; Jul. 1984; CHALCAL 1 leg.; MNHN. – d’Entrecasteaux Reefs – Lagon Nord – Belep • 3 specimens, dead; Atoll de Surprise, Stn 445; 18°18′ S, 163°02′ E; depth 41 m; 28 Feb. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Atoll de Surprise, Stn 465; 18°22′ S, 163°05′ E; depth 45 m; 1 Mar. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Belep, Stn 1181; 19°24′ S, 163°15′ E; depth 45 m; 31 Oct. 1989; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Belep, Stn 1182; 19°27′ S, 163°16′ E; depth 48 m; 31 Oct. 1989; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Lagon Nord, Stn 482; 18°59′ S, 163°31′ E; depth 33 m; 2 Mar. 1985; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Belep, Stn 1118; 19°35′ S, 163°52′ E; depth 30 m; 25 Oct. 1989; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Pouébo • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 888; 20°22′ S, 164°38′ E; depth 20 m; 14 Jan. 1987; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Koumac • 8 specimens, living; Stn KB631; 20°31.6′ S, 164°01.6′ E; depth 3 m; 8 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; corail mort de tombant interne de platier de récif barrière, débris de pieds de tombant et zone d’épandage détritique; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn KB619; 20°30.8′ S, 164°01.9′ E; depth 12 m; 3 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; bloc et débris au pieds de massif corallien d’arrière terrasse interne de récif barrière; MNHN • 3 specimens, living; Stn KS508; 20°30.8′ S, 164°01.9′ E; depth 12 m; 3 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; bloc et débris au pieds de massif corallien d’arrière terrasse interne de récif barrière; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KB618; 20°30.8′ S, 164°01.9′ E; depth 12 m; 3 Nov. 2019; KOUMC 2.3 leg.; bloc et débris au pieds de massif corallien d’arrière terrasse interne de récif barrière; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KD533; 20°32.2′ S, 164°05.5′ E; depth 11 m; 5 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc nu; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn KB610; 20°34.7′ S, 164°06.2′ E; depth 2–3 m; 31 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; arrière platier corallien de récif barrière et tombant interne de platier de récif barrière; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn KD563; 20°33.4′ S, 164°06.3′ E; depth 5 m; 15 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc; MNHN • 5 specimens, living; Stn KB609; 20°35.6′ S, 164°06.9′ E; depth 8–10 m; 31 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; patch coralliens sur sable d’arrière terrasse de récif barrière; MNHN • 3 specimens, living; Stn KB608; 20°34.9′ S, 164°07.6′ E; depth 15 m; 31 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; patch coralliens sur sable d’arrière terrasse de récif barrière; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KB621; 20°27.9′ S, 164°07.7′ E; depth 6 m; 3 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; pente récifale de platier de récif frangeant d’îlot lagonaire; MNHN • 3 specimens, living; Stn KB643; 20°36.8′ S, 164°08.2′ E; depth 3 m; 14 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; corail mort de tombant interne de récif barrière; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn KB624; 20°37.4′ S, 164°09′ E; depth 3 m; 5 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; débris et corail mort de tombant interne de platier de récif barrière; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Paagoumène, Stn 1289; 20°29.2′ S, 164°10.2′ E; depth 0 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, platier avec blocs; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Passe du Baron, Stn KR644; 20°33.8′ S, 164°10.3′ E; depth unknown; 29 Sep. 2018; KOUMAC 2.1 leg.; fonds blancs; MNHN • 5 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 • 7 specimens, living; Stn KD539; 20°34.1′ S, 164°10.6′ E; depth 11 m; 6 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; algues brunes, éponges; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Îlot Rat, Stn KM200; 20°33.4′ S, 164°10.9′ E; depth 0 m; 12 Sep. 2018; KOUMAC 2.1 leg.; platier avec herbiers, coraux et sables fins; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Îlot Rat, Stn 1284; 20°33.7′ S, 164°11.0′ E; depth 0 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; marée, fonds divers; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Îlot de la Table, Stn KB502; 20°33.5′ S, 164°11.2′ E; depth 0 m; 31 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; blocs et sable sur sable sur platier de récif frangeant; MNHN • 1 specimen, 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 • 1 specimen, living; Stn KD542; 20°38.6′ S, 164°12.7′ E; depth 11 m; 7 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable gris; MNHN • 7 specimens, living; Récif l’Infernet, Stn 1302; 20°35.8′ S, 164°12.7′ E; depth 9–10 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; pente interne; MNHN • 16 specimens, living; 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 • 4 specimens, living; 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 • 1 specimen, dead; NW Récif de l’Infernet, Stn KS504; 20°36.2′ S, 164°13.3′ E; depth 8 m; 30 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; corail vivant sur pente de massif intermédiaire; MNHN • 4 specimens, 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 • 2 specimens, living; Stn KB664; 20°40.2′ S, 164°13.8′ E; depth 3 m; 23 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; corail mort de tombant interne de récif barrière; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KB662; 20°35.2′ S, 164°13.9′ E; depth 1 m; 21 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; patchs coralliens dispersés, sur sable et débris; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Passe Deverd, Stn KB622; 20°45.1′ S, 164°13.9′ E; depth 19–24 m; 4 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; pieds de tombant corallien de passe de récif barrière; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn KB639; 20°45.1′ S, 164°13.9′ E; depth 22 m; 13 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; tombant externe de récif barrière; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KB623; 20°45.1′ S, 164°14′ E; depth 12 m; 7 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable et débris dans sillon de pente externe de récif barrière dans passe; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn KD562; 20°45.2′ S, 164°14.2′ E; depth 1 m; 14 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; débris coralliens; 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 • 1 specimen, living; 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 KD524; 20°36.4′ S, 164°14.6′ E; depth 8 m; 3 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable, algues brunes, holothuries; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn KB628; 20°37.5′ S, 164°14.7′ E; depth 2–3 m; 7 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; tombant corallien de récif intermédiaire sur fond de sable; MNHN • 12 specimens, dead; Grand Récif de Koumac, Stn 1318; 20°41.4′ S, 164°14.8′ E; depth 20–30 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; pente externe; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Grand Récif de Koumac, Stn 1318; 20°41.4′ S, 164°14.8′ E; depth 20–30 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; pente externe; MNHN • 10 specimens, dead; Passe de Koumac, east drop-off, Stn 1312; 20°40.4′ S, 164°14.9′ E; depth 26–40 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; suceuse fonds durs; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn KS507; 20°41.7′ S, 164°14.9′ E; depth 13 m; 2 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; plateforme corallienne de tombant externe de récif barrière; MNHN • 40+ specimens, living; Passe de Koumac, Stn 1310; 20°39.7′ S, 164°14.9′ E; depth 15 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; fonds dur; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn KB634; 20°41′ S, 164°15.1′ E; depth 20–35 m; 11 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; passe, tombant externe de récif barrière; MNHN • 4 specimens, dead; 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; l’Îlot Kendec, Stn 1330; 20°40.5′ S, 164°15.2′ E; depth 0.5–1.5 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; dalle corallienne, passées sableuses; MNHN • 80+ specimens, living; drop-off of l’Îlot Kendec, Stn 1308; 20°40′ S, 164°15.2′ E; depth 15–20 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; dalle; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KB513; 20°40.1′ S, 164°15.4′ E; depth 0 m; 14 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; blocs sur platier de récif intermédiaire; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn KM302; 20°40.1′ S, 164°15.4′ E; depth 0 m; 9 Sep. 2018; KOUMAC 2.1 leg.; tâches de sable avec coraux vivants sur platier; MNHN • 80+ specimens, living; Passe Deverd, Stn 1319; 20°44.7′ S, 164°15.5′ E; depth 15–20 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; dalle; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn KD559; 20°46′ S, 164°15.5′ E; depth 12–14 m; 14 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable blanc; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KD548; 20°40.3′ S, 164°15.7′ E; depth 11 m; 10 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sables gris, éponges; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KD558; 20°43.7′ S, 164°15.9′ E; depth 6 m; 13 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; petits blocs et débris coralliens; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; around Plateau Karembé, Stn 1303; 20°37.7′ S, 164°15.9′ E; depth 0–8 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable vaseux, blocs; MNHN • 6 specimens, living; Stn KS519; 20°40.4′ S, 164°15.9′ E; depth 18 m; 22 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; gros débris coralliens avec turf algual et sable sur plateforme sous influence de passe; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn KS518; 20°40.1′ S, 164°15.9′ E; depth 15 m; 21 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; fond dur corallien couvert de turf épais, cuvettes de sable, quelques coraux et gorgones éparses; MNHN • 8 specimens, living; Stn KB616; 20°44.7′ S, 164°15.9′ E; depth 13 m; 2 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable et débris de pieds de patch récifal de passe; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; 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 • 1 specimen, living; Stn KD577; 20°45.8′ S, 164°16.2′ E; depth 21 m; 19 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.: fond dur, quelques algues brunes; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KB655; 20°41.1′ S, 164°16.2′ E; depth 3–6 m; 20 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; marche corallienne de patch corallien; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Stn KS511; 20°46.9′ S, 164°16.4′ E; depth 2–3 m; 7 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; blocs et débris coralliens de zone d’épandage détritique d’arrière platier de récif barrière; MNHN • 17 specimens, living; 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, living; Stn KB627; 20°46.9′ S, 164°16.4′ E; depth 2–3 m; 7 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; blocs et débris coralliens de zone d’épandage détritique d’arrière platier de récif barrière; MNHN • 3 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 • 7 specimens, living; Stn KS517; 20°41.1′ S, 164°16.5′ E; depth 10 m; 20 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; dalle et sable blanc, pâtes coralliens éparse de lagon sous influence de passe; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Pointe de Pandop, Stn 1298; 20°35.2′ S, 164°16.6′ E; depth 2–4 m; Oct. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; fonds durs; MNHN • 4 specimens, dead; 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 • 2 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 • 5 specimens, living; Stn KB637; 20°48.4′ S, 164°17′ E; depth 3 m; 12 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; blocs et corail mort de tombant interne de récif barrière; MNHN • 3 specimens, living; Stn KB667; 20°39.5′ S, 164°17′ E; depth 1 m; 22 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; herbier de phanérogames sur platier sableux de récif intermédiaire; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KD546; 20°41′ S, 164°17.1′ E; depth 6 m; 8 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable grossier et algues; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; Stn KD583; 20°43.5′ S, 164°17.3′ E; depth 12 m; 21 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable fin; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KB603; 20°37.4′ S, 164°17.4′ E; depth 2 m; 29 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Stn KS503; 20°37.5′ S, 164°17.4′ E; depth 2 m; 29 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KB601; 20°43.2′ S, 164°17.6′ E; depth 6 m; 29 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; MNHN • 6 specimens, living; Stn KS501; 20°43.2′ S, 164°17.6′ E; depth 6 m; 29 Oct. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; MNHN • 8 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 • 1 specimen, living; Stn KB670; 20°41.9′ S, 164°17.9′ E; depth 5 m; 23 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; patch corallien et débris d’arrière récif intermédiaire; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Stn KD551; 20°42.2′ S, 164°18.2′ E; depth 6 m; 10 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; algues brunes; MNHN • 1 specimen, 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 • 2 specimens, living; Stn KD588; 20°38.7′ S, 164°18.2′ E; depth 3 m; 22 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; sable, Thalassia , Halimeda , caulerpes, éponges, coraux; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn KD586; 20°39.3′ S, 164°19.7′ E; depth 3 m; sable grossier, Halophila , Caulerpa , éponges, Halimeda ; 22 Nov. 2019; KOUMAC 2.3 leg.; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Touho • 1 specimen, dead; Grand Récif Mengalia, Stn 859; 20°40′ S, 165°02′ E; depth 25 m; 13 Jan. 1887; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 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 • 5 specimens, dead; surroundings of l’Îlot Ouao (=Î. Camille), Stn 1255; 20°43′ S, 165°08′ E; depth 11 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; sable, dômes détritiques; MNHN • 12 specimens, living; Banc de Touho, Stn 1259; 20°44.6′ S, 165°13.7′ E; depth 15–35 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; tombants avec limon; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; 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 • 14 specimens, living; Pointe Kombounou, Stn 1253; 20°46.6′ S, 165°14.1′ E; depth 2–3 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; algues photophiles, limon; MNHN • 12 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 • 2 specimens, dead; Lagon du Grand Récif Mengalia, Stn 1266; 20°39.6′ S, 165°14.7′ E; depth 10–15 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; paté corallien; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; 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 • 1 specimen, living; between aerodrome and Koé, Stn 1241; 20°48′ S, 165°15.7′ E; depth 0–2 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; platier battu; MNHN • 3 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 • 13 specimens, living; 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 • 9 specimens, living; Grand Récif Mengalia, Stn 1270; 20°45.0′ S, 165°16.5′ E; depth 10–35 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; pente externe; MNHN • 23 specimens, living; Tié Shoal, Stn 1271; 20°52.7′ S, 165°19.5′ E; depth 5–25 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; tombants, sables sur dalle; MNHN • 27 specimens, living, all juvenile; Tié Shoal, Stn 1271; 20°52.7′ S, 165°19.5′ E; depth 5–25 m; Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; tombants, sable sur dalle; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Passe de Touho, Stn 1272; 20°49.5′ S, 165°19.6′ E; depth 10 m; 6 Sep. 1993; Expédition Montrouzier leg.; fonds durs avec limon; MNHN. – Grande Terre, Bourail • 1 specimen, living; 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, Thio • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 686; 21°34′ S, 166°16′ E; depth 33–35 m; 9 Aug. 1886; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 682; 21°34′ S, 166°19′ E; depth 36–37 m; 9 Aug. 1986; B. RicherORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 681; 21°35′ S, 166°20′ E; depth 33 m; 9 Aug. 1986; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN. – Nouméa • 2 specimens, living; Stn 60; 22°12′ S, 166°11′ E; depth 11 m; 25 May 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE60; 22°13.6′ S, 166°14.1′ E; depth 21 m; 30 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 30+ specimens, living; Canyon de la Dumbéa, Stn 1356; 22°19.7′ S, 166°15.4′ E; depth 20–23 m; 4 Dec. 1992; Bouchet and Marshall leg.; sable sous blocs; MNHN • 2 specimens, 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 • 10 specimens, dead; Récif Larégnère, Stn 1371; 22°19.9′ S, 166°17.6′ E; depth 12–16 m; 3 May 1993; P. Bouchet leg.; pente interne; MNHN • 5 specimens, living; 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 • 1 specimen, living; Récif Senez, Stn 1343; 22°17.8′ S, 166°19.9′ E; depth 7 m; 7 Sep. 1992; P. Bouchet leg.; pente interne; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 7; 22°24′ S, 166°20′ E; depth 14 m; 21 May 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 50+ specimens, living; 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 • 8 specimens, living; Île aux Goélands, Stn 1368; 22°24.3′ S, 166°20.7′ E; depth 10 m; 16 Apr. 1993; P. Bouchet leg.; fonds blancs; MNHN • 2 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 • 2 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 • 2 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 • 1 specimen, dead; Stn 260; 22°18′ S, 166°23′ E; depth 23 m; 7 Nov. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Pointe NW Île Nou, Stn 1348; 22°15.1′ S, 166°23.2′ E; depth 5–8 m; 12 Oct. 1992; Bouchet and Marshall leg.; sable grossier et blocs; MNHN • 3 specimens, dead; between Îlot Maître and Larégnère, Stn 1334; 22°20.1′ S, 166°23.2′ E; depth 16 m; 18 Jun. 1992; P. Bouchet leg.; fond de dalle avec sargasses; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Îlot Maître, Stn 1502; 22°20.0′ S, 166°24.2′ E; depth 4 m; 21 Oct. 2000; Cosel and Trondlé leg.; MNHN • 18 specimens, living; 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 • 1 specimen, living; Stn 23; 22°24′ S, 166°25′ E; depth 10–18 m; 3 May 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Ile Ouen-Baie du Prony, Stn 65; 22°29′ S, 166°26′ E; depth 24 m; 20 Aug. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Baie des Citrons; 22°17.5′ S, 166°26.2′ E; depth 1–5 m; 1987–2007; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 8 specimens, dead; Anse Vata; 22°18.1′ S, 166°26.4′ E; depth 1–5 m; 1987–2007; Claude Berthault leg.; MNHN • 30 specimens, living; Pointe Magnin, Stn 1355; 22°18.9′ S, 166°26.6′ E; depth 7–10 m; 3 Dec. 1992; Bouchet and Marshall leg.; bord du canyon, blocs sédiment; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE39; 22°31.9′ S, 166°28.1′ E; depth 33–34 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Stn DE70; 22°25.6′ S, 166°31.0′ E; depth 20–21 m; 30 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Stn DE35; 22°36.5′ S, 166°33.8′ E; depth 16 m; 29 Apr. 1987; B. Richer de Forges-IRD leg.; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Ile Ouen-Baie du Prony, Stn 99; 22°33′ S, 166°35′ E; depth 14 m; 21 Aug. 1984; B. Richer-ORSTOM leg.; MNHN • 2 specimens, 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. – Loyalty Islands, Loyalty Ridge • 1 specimen, dead; Ride des Loyauté, Stn DW430; 20°21′ S, 166°07′ E; depth 30 m; 17 Feb. 1989; NO Alis -MUSORSTOM 6 leg.; MNHN. – Loyalty Islands, Lifou • 1 specimen, living; Baie du Santal, Pointe Lefèvre [= Nem] Stn 1435; 20°55.2′ S, 167°00.7′ E; depth 5–30 m; 8 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; tombants verticaux et surplombs; MNHN • 8 specimens, 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 • 7 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, north of Cap Aimé Martin [=Acadro], Stn 1448; 20°45.8′ S, 167°01.6′ E; depth 20 m; 17 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; aspirateur, fonds durs; MNHN • 2 specimens, dead; Baie du Santal, Cap Aimé Martin [=Acadro], Stn 1441; 20°46.4′ S, 167°02′ E; depth 20 m; 13 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; surplomb sciaphile; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, between Cap Mandé and Cap Lefèvre [= Nem] Stn 1453; 20°54.6′ S, 167°02.1′ E; depth 21–30 m; 22 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; tombant massif avec gorgones; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Lifou, Baie du Santal, Récif Shelter, Stn 1432; 20°53.5′ S, 167°02.7′ E; depth 12–32 m; 4 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; sable et nodules coralliens grossiers très érodés en bas du tombant; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, Baie de Gaatcha, towards Cap Mandé, Stn 1424; 20°54.9′ S, 167°03′ E; depth 4 m; 15 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; sable fin et algues photophiles sur dalle; MNHN • 26 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, Baie de Gaatcha, Stn 1419; 20°55.6′ S, 167°04.5′ E; depth 5 m; 10 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000; limon sur dalle, algues photophiles; MNHN • 11 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 • 50+ specimens, living; Baie du Santal, NE of Baie de Gaatcha, Stn 1444; 20°55′ S, 167°05.2′ E; depth 9–20 m; 26 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; pente alternant zones caillouteuses “mortes” et passées sableuses grossières; MNHN • 9 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, in front of Huneté, Stn 1426; 20°45.9′ S, 167°06.2′ E; depth 4–7 m; 20 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; dalle et petites poches de séd.; MNHN • 8 specimens, dead; Baie du Santal, W of Pointe d’Easo, Stn 1451; 20°47.3′ S, 167°06.8′ E; depth 10–21 m; 19 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; 2ème patate corallienne; MNHN • 10 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, W/SW of Pointe d’Easo, Stn 1430; 20°47.5′ S, 167°07.1′ E; depth 20–25 m; 9 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; patates coralliennes, passées séd.; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Lifou, Baie du Santal, W/SW de la Pointe d’Easo, Stn 1429; 20°47.5′ S, 167°07.1′ E; 8–18 m; 24 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; patates coralliennes, passées séd.; MNHN • 7 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, Baie d’Huneté, Stn 1425; 20°46.8′ S, 167°07.2′ E; depth 4–5 m; 17 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; dalle avec couverture sed.; MNHN • 17 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, in front of Peng, Stn 1423; 20°54′ S, 167°07.3′ E; depth 12 m; 14 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; passées sableuse entre patates; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Lifou, Baie du Santal, off Peng, Stn 1443; 20°53.8′ S, 167°07.3′ E; depth 48–52 m; 14 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; tombant; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, small bay west of Pointe d’Easo, Stn 1422; 20°47.1′ S, 167°07.4′ E; depth 4 m; 25 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; sable sur dalle, patates; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Baie du Santal, 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, off Îlot Huca Hutighé, Stn 1434; 20°52.5′ S, 167°08.1′ E; depth 5–21 m; 6 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; fonds durs; MNHN • 1 specimen, living; Baie du Santal, between Îlot Huca Hutighé and coast, Stn 1421; 20°52.4′ S, 167°08.5′ E; depth 4 m; 26 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; sable grossier sur dalle; MNHN • 1 specimen, 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 • 5 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, Pointe de Chépénéhé, Stn 1438; 20°47.7′ S, 167°09.4′ E; depth 6 m; 11 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; tombant avec grandes passées sableuses; MNHN • 1 specimen, dead; Baie du Santal, Pointe de Chépénéhé, Stn 1439; 20°47.7′ S, 167°09.4′ E; depth 5–30 m; 25 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; récoltes à vue; MNHN • 4 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, Pointe de Chépénéhé, Stn 1420; 20°47.7′ S, 167°09.4′ E; depth 4–5 m; 18 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; dalle avec couverture séd.; MNHN • 2 specimens, living; Baie du Santal, in front of Kiki, Stn 1427; 20°47.6′ S, 167°10.2′ E; depth 10 m; 23 Nov. 2000; Atelier LIFOU 2000 leg.; sable grossier et coraux vivants au pied des patates; MNHN.

Redescription ( Fig. 26 )

SHELL. Thin, of moderate size (adult diameter up to 14 mm), wider than high, but spire height variable (H/D 0.73–0.86); spire whorls rounded, sometimes weakly shouldered; periphery a little below mid-whorl, rounded or weakly angled; sculpture fine, predominantly spiral; base rounded, narrowly umbilicate; teleoconch of up to 7.0 whorls. First teleoconch whorl with three narrow, spiral lirae ( Fig. 27A ), broadening during second whorl and increasing in number through intercalation of intermediaries; subsequent sculpture of low, close-set, spiral lirae separated by narrower intervals; lirae often alternating in strength as intermediaries arise; axial sculpture initially weak, close-set, microscopic threads only, later whorls with fine, regular, close-set, collabral pliculae, and irregular growth-lines; basal sculpture of fewer, broader, flat-topped lirae separated by narrow incised striae, axial pliculae much less distinct; lirae more close-set within umbilicus; umbilicus relatively narrow, its rim rounded, distinctly thickened and rendered pliculate by growth-lines; a strong funicle within umbilicus, above which is a deep sulcus underlying insertion on penultimate whorl. Aperture roundly quadrate; peristome interrupted in parietal region; base of columella considerably thickened at termination of umbilical rim with a second thickening above this at end of funicle, surface of thickenings microscopically granular; outer lip simple; interior smooth and weakly nacreous.

COLOUR. Colour and pattern highly variable; ground colour commonly mottled in pastel shades of pink and yellow-brown, with olive-green subsutural and peripheral blotches or axial flames and with white-flecked capillary lines on spiral lirae; blotches sometimes maroon, sometimes dark green; other specimens more uniformly coloured or with fine white and pink mottling or with bold spiral bands of colour; some juveniles whitish with distinctive pattern of three spiral bands of squarish brown blotches, one below suture, one at periphery and one on base ( Fig. 26S–T ); umbilical region pale and unpatterned, but reflected end of umbilical funicle olive-green, greyish-green or olive-brown, occasionally reddish, particularly in Chesterfield-Bellona Plateau material; funicle itself also often of the same colour.

DIMENSIONS. Holotype, height 10.7 mm, diameter 13.6 mm (= largest specimen).

PROTOCONCH ( Fig. 27B ). Typically umboniine, diameter ± 170–185 µm; apical beak present and confluent with terminal lip; apical bulb sculptured with oblique and subspiral threads creating an irregular quadrate network; terminal lip weakly convex.

OPERCULUM ( Fig. 27C–D ). Corneous; multispiral, but with relatively few whorls; whorl overlap narrow, peripheral fringe not obviously striate; surface lacking spiral microsculpture.

RADULA ( Fig. 27E–F ). Formula ∞+ (1)+ 5+1+ 5+(1) +∞, with ± 35–40 transverse rows of teeth; teeth of central field reduced, lacking shafts and cusps; rachidian base-plate broadly trigonal with blunt anterior edge; base-plates of inner lateral teeth expanded and bluntly rounded basally, outer anterior edge somewhat raised and ridge-like; outer laterals less trigonal and more elongate. Innermost marginal transitional, with reduced shaft and cusp; other marginal teeth well developed with strongly recurved cusp; cusps of inner marginal teeth with a large bluntly lanceolate central denticle bearing a robust pointed denticle at its outer base and a minute denticle at inner base (usually not visible due to tooth overlap); marginals 3–10 with largest cusps; cusps progressively smaller thereafter, the outermost ones with finely pectinate margins.

EXTERNAL ANATOMY (from rehydrated specimens). Head with distinct forehead between cephalic tentacles; snout long, somewhat flared toward its tip with a transverse row of digit-like papillae halfway down anterior face, distal portion and edge of oral disk finely papillate; cephalic lappets not evident; cephalic tentacles long and slender, micropapillate, left and right of similar size; eyestalks long, their tips expanded and containing large black eyes; left neck-lobe a broad flap of tissue with a finely digitate margin, more extensive anteriorly; right neck-lobe well developed, rolled to form an exhalant siphon; four micropapillate epipodial tentacles on each side, each with a well-developed stalked epipodial sense organ near its base; an epipodial sense organ also present beneath each neck-lobe; propodium slightly indented in mid-line and somewhat pinched in sub-terminally creating a small lateral propodial lobe on each side; foot tapering to a point posteriorly. Head-foot mostly pale translucent buff, forehead somewhat darker; eyestalks and epipodial sense organs with opaque white pigmentation; cephalic and epipodial tentacles with faint transverse dark bands; sides of foot translucent, finely speckled with white. Ctenidium evidently bipectinate, anterior portion unattached.

Habitat

Common in the lagoon, but also ranging beyond the barrier reef; living specimens at depths of 0–65 m, mostly associated with coral debris and sandy substrata, often with seagrasses and green algae. Within the lagoon it occurs largely in the outer regions, from the intermediary reefs and islands to the barrier reef. Although common it seems not to occur in large numbers.

Distribution ( Fig. 28 )

Known primarily from the New Caledonian marine ecoregion. Records from Queensland ( Iredale 1929b) and Tuvalu ( Hedley 1899) require confirmation.

Remarks

Cernohorsky (1978) and Wilson (1993) considered S. lifuana to be a synonym of the Japanese S. vernicosa ( Gould, 1861) . In 1996, I expressed reservations about this synonymy ( Herbert 1996: 430) and in light of the cryptic diversity mentioned above, I here maintain S. lifuana as a distinct species of Sericominolia .

The material available, comprising ±1000 specimens, indicates that there is considerable variation in shell proportions and that these also change with growth, the last whorl descending somewhat more rapidly in adults. Larger specimens are thus proportionately taller. The holotype (diameter 13.6 mm) is evidently and exceptionally large specimen. The great majority are juveniles with a diameter of under 6.0 mm. Few specimens exceed 7.0 mm in diameter. In these the H/D ratio is 0.73–0.86, but it is often considerably less than this in juveniles.

Figures

Fig. 26. Sericominolia lifuana (Fischer, 1878) (A–D: MHNBx 2004.TY.184; E–T: MNHN). A–D. Holotype of Trochus (Monilea) lifuanus Fischer, 1878, height 10.7 mm, diameter 13.6 mm (images courtesy of Laurent Charles). E–H. Koumac, Stn KD577, diameter 8.4 mm. I–J. Depressed specimen with bold maroon blotches, Koumac, Stn KM302, diameter 9.1 mm. K. Subadult specimen with distinct capillary lines, Koumac, Stn KD588, diameter 7.4 mm. L. Large elevated specimen, Koumac, Stn KD587, diameter 10.0 mm. M. Subglobose specimen, Chesterfield Plateaux, Stn DW59, diameter 10.4 mm. N–O. Specimen with red umbilical funicle, Chesterfield Plateaux, Stn DW72, diameter 9.0 mm. P–Q. Deeply pigmented specimen, Nouméa, Stn 260, diameter 8.5 mm. R. Small elevated specimen, Koumac Stn 1319, diameter 6.4 mm. S–T. Spotted specimen, Lifou, Stn 1419, diameter 4.8 mm.

Fig. 27. Sericominolia lifuana (Fischer, 1878) (all MNHN). A–B. Apex and protoconch, Koumac, Stn KB634. C–D. Operculum, Koumac, Stn 1302. E–F. Radula, Koumac, Stn 1302. Scale bars: A=250 µm; B=50 µm; C =1.0 mm; D =200 µm; E–F =25 µm.

Fig. 28. Map of the Coral Sea showing the distribution of Sericominolia lifuana (Fischer, 1878). Type locality indicated in pink.