12G PURPURIN.E. 



Genus PURPURA, Aldrovandus. 



Shell oblong-oval, last whorl large ; spire short ; aper- 

 ture ovate, large, with an oblique channel or groove at 

 the fore part ; columella flattened ; outer lip simple. 



Syn. Microtoma, Swains. 



Ex. P. lapillus, LinncBUs, pi, 13, fig. 3. Operculum, 

 P. patula, Lmnasus, fig. 3, a, 3, b. Shell, P. Persica, 

 Limi(Bus, fig. 3, c. 



The Purpura inhabit the seas both of temperate and 

 tropical climates. Many species produce a fluid which 

 gives a dull crimson dye, whence their name of Purple 

 Shells. Their egg-cases are membranous, oval or sphe- 

 roidal, sometimes solitary, sometimes united in masses, 

 each sac containing many embryos. 



Species of Purpura. 



buccinea, Desk. inerma, Reeve. 



chocolata, Dncl. patula, Ld7in. 



columellaris, Lam. Persica, Lam. 



grisea, Bolt. Rudolphi, Lam. 

 haustrum, Mart. 



Sub-gen. tribulus, Klein (Thais, Bolten). 



Spire depressed, whorls simple, the last ventricose ; aperture 

 wide ; columella arcuated ; inner lip excavated, corrugated at the 

 fore part. 



aperta, Blainv. Carolensis, Reeve. 



Ascensiouis, Quoy. nodosa, Linn. 



Callaoensis, Oray. planospira. Lam. 



