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Additional Photos
undereside
hairs
cluster
shell
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Allochroa layardi (Philippi, 1846)
Maximum size: 10 mm (Kay,
1979).
Identification:
The shells of this species are relatively slender with broad, spiral
brown bands and
faint spiral striae. There is a single prominent fold inside the outer
lip and three folds on the columella. Some shells retain a few sparse hairs on the periostracum.
Natural history:
On Maui, shells of Allochroa layardi
are moderately rare in beach drift. Live animals may occasionally be
seen in high intertidal tide pools or under cobbles. According to Kay
(1979) they are typically found lower in the intertidal than the more
common ellobiids. It's more common in protected habitats on Oahu and moderately exposed habitats on the Big Island.
Distribution:
Big Island, Maui and Oahu.
Taxonomic notes:
This species is listed in Kay, 1979 as Allochroa bronni (Philippi, 1846). It's listed as a Laemodonta species in Edmondson, 1946 and as Laemondonta clausa in Tinker, 1958 (although the latter is listed as a synonym of Laemodonta octanfracta in Kay, 1979). Meanwhile, Martins, 1995 considers Allochroa bronni and Allochroa layardi to be separate species with the former being endemic to Hawaii. However, we're opting to lump the available material under A. layardi pending further work.
Photo: CP:
Hekili Point, Maui; Oct. 17, 2009.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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