Conus esmeraldus (Olsson, 1964)

Shell of medium size, slender, with a high, conic spire about one-fourth the total length. Lateral margins of the body whorl are straight above, a little contracted below and continued into the anterior canal portion which is narrow and slender. Shoulder of the spire whorls is slightly elevated above the suture below, at first widely noded, later becoming simple or smooth. General surface of the body whorl appears smooth but on closer inspection is seen to be covered with low, indistinct, spiral cords separated by pitted grooves, coarser and larger below. On the spire whorls, the surface between the sutures is concave and marked with bowed lines, otherwise smooth. The outer lip and its growth-line trace is straight, except above the shoulder where it is deeply bowed. No anterior twist or flexure.

Length 57.3 mm., diameter 21.9 mm. Holotype, USNM 644136; length 41 mm., diameter 18.2 mm. Paratype, USNM 644137.

This is obviously a deep-water species and is represented in the collection by six specimens, all imperfect. Juvenile specimens, as the one figured, are strongly sculptured with flat, even, spiral cords set between pitted grooves; the spire is of medium height, conic, its shoulder finely coronated. The species attains a larger size than indicated by the measurements.

Esmeraldas formation: Punta Gorda.

Conus esmeraldus Plate 12, fig. 4 Holotype USNM 644136 mm. 57,3 x 21,9	Conus esmeraldus Plate 12, fig. 4a Paratype USNM 644137 mm. 41,0 x 18,2

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Bibliografia Consultata

· (1) - Olsson, A. A., 1964. Neogene Mollusks from Northwestern Ecuador

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