Conus (Hemiconus) auriculatus (Tracey & Craig, 2017)
 


 

Diagnosis of H. auriculatus n. sp. : Small biconical Hemiconus, lacking subsutural beads, with three spiral cords on the periphery of the last whorl, the uppermost strongest and developing flat-topped, semicircular tubercles (1).

 

Description of H. auriculatus n. sp. : Shell very small, protoconch large, diameter c. 640 μm., paucispiral of a little less than 2 whorls, larval lip slightly curved ; spire whorls stepped, subsutural collar absent, upper part of whorls smooth or with 1-3 weak spiral threads; lower half of whorls dominated by a prominent row of narrow tubercles, appearing as semicircular lobes in apical view (Plate 6, Fig. 89c) joined by two subordinate lower nodular cords on the shoulder of the last whorl, which is ornamented with numerous close weak spiral cords, increasing in strength basally. Sinus wide and shallow, somewhat inequilateral; aperture narrow with parallel sides; columella straight, outer lip gently curved (1).

 

Holotype 9.3 x 3.6 mm., largest paratype 7.5 x 3.2 mm.

 

Discussion of H. auriculatus n. sp. : This differs from H. tremletti Le Renard, 1994 in having flatter nodules, 3 peripheral cords and in lacking subsutural beads. Conus plicatilis Von Koenen, 1890 from the early Oligocene of Lattorf appears to be closely related but differs in having a more angular sinus, emphasised by strong, regular, raised growth striae covering the upper part of the whorls, and only a single row of more rounded shoulder nodules (1).

 

 

Figs. 89. Hemiconus auriculatus n. sp. (1)

Holotype (89b protoconch, 89c apical)

NHMUK PI TG 26917 (leg. S. TRACEY)

Rauville-la-Place

mm. 9,3 x 3,6

Figs. 90. Hemiconus auriculatus n. sp. (1)

 Paratype (90b protoconch)

NHMUK PI TG 26918 (leg. S.TRACEY)

Rauville-la-Place.

mm. 7,5 x 3,2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Bibliografia Consultata