Ing by analogy, it probably resembles that of Triton and 

 Murex and has therefore a horny operculum, composed of 

 lamelliform elements, disposed in an imbricated manner 

 and commencing at the superior tip. It must also be car- 

 nivorous. 



RANELLA CAUDATA 



DESCRIPTION, 



Shell pale reddish-brown, cancellate with eleven robust 

 costae on the body whorl and several revolving filiform 

 lines passing over them, and more prominent on the varix 

 of the aperture, terminate at its inner edge, and there alter- 

 nate with the raised lines of the fauces ; volutions flattened 

 at their summits, abruptly declining to the suture ; canal 

 coarctate, rather longer than the spire ; beak rectilinear, 

 reflected at tip. 



SYNONYM, 



Ranella CAUDATA, Nob. Joum. Jicad, Nat. So. Vol. 

 p, 236, 



OBSERVATIONS, 



This is a common species on the coast of the United 

 States. Its generic affinity is not always obvious, as in 

 some specimens the varix of the aperture, only, is well 

 formed. 



