Herpetopoma benthicola

Herpetopoma benthicola is a species of marine gastropod mollusc in the family Trochidae, the top shells.

Distribution

This top shell is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand, including the Three Kings Islands.

Habitat

This species is commonly found at depths of about 90 m.

Shell description

The shell is small, solid, keeled near the lower suture, with a tall conical spire, and fenestrate sculpture of a few strong spiral cords, crossed by crisp lamellate axials.

Coloration is creamy-white.

The maximum shell height is 3.5 mm, and width 3 mm.

References

• Powell A. W. B., William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1