206 American Seashells 



M. erinaceoides rhyssus Dall is similar to trialatiis, but with scaly fim- 

 briations all over, sometimes with numerous, rather strong spiral cords, and 

 grayish white in color. Southern CaHfornia, south. Uncommon offshore. 



Subgenus Maxwellia Baily 1950 

 Murex gejimm Sowerby Gem Murex 



Plate 246 



Santa Barbara, CaHfornia, to Lower California. 



I to I % inches in length, moderately high-spired, with 6 varices per 

 whorl. The varices are swollen, roundish and smooth and connect with each 

 other in the middle area of the whorl, but in the area of the suture, and again 

 near the base of the shell, the varix is thin, elevated and curled back and may 

 bear one or several small spines. There are several spiral low cords colored 

 blackish blue which are more obvious on the middle or smoother part of the 

 whorl. The spire appears to have squarish pits crudely dug out. Very com- 

 mon along rocky areas under protective rubble and masses of worm tubes. 



Murex santarosana Dall Santa Rosa Murex 



Figure 45d 



Santa Barbara Islands to Lower California. 



I /4 inches in length, spire low, and with 6 curled-back, spined varices per 

 whorl. Anterior surface of varices strongly fimbriated. Narrow intervarical 

 space smooth. Color brownish white. Uncommon to rare on gravel bottom 

 just offshore to 30 fathoms. Do not confuse with the common gemma. 



Murex festivus Hinds Festive Murex 



Plate 24I 



Morro Bay, California, to Lower California. 



I /4 to 2 inches in length, spire high, 3 varices per whorl. Color brownish 

 cream with numerous fine, dark spiral lines. V^arix, with its thin, fimbriated 

 surface, curled backwards. One very large, rounded nodule between varices. 

 Very common on rocks or mud flats and down to 75 fathoms. 



Genus Boreotrophon Fischer 1884 

 Boreotropho7i clathratus Linne Clathrate Trophon 



Arctic Seas to Maine. 



I to 2 inches in length, with rounded whorls, slightly flaring lip, and 

 numerous axial, foliated ribs. Chalk-white in color. There are several forms 



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