Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos    top   underside   shell _______________   GALLERY	Julia zebra Kawaguti, 1981   Maximum size:  4.7 mm (extrapolated from shell length). Identification:  This species has a brownish-green shell with narrow, radiating, dark brown stripes and cloudy white patches. The hinge tooth is proportionately smaller and more circular than in Julia exquisita and Julia sp. #2. The animal is brownish-green flecked with white and with dark brown bands on top of its head. The "butterfly-shaped" cream patch outlined in brown that surrounds the hinge is the result of pigment showing through the partially translucent shell. Natural history:  Julia zebra is a common species found in protected to exposed rocky habitats at depths of < 1 to 15 m (< 3 to 49 ft). Although diurnal, it's seldom seen due to its small size and cryptic coloration. Distribution:  Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, French Frigate Shoals and Midway: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific and possibly the eastern Pacific. Taxonomic notes:  Shells collected from beach drift in the eastern Pacific and held at the California Academy of Sciences under the name Julia thecaphora (Carpenter, 1857) appear identical to those of the Indo-Pacific Julia Zebra. Presumably, that name would have priority if confirmed with live material. In southern Japan, many animals lack all or most brown pigment. However, the "butterfly-shaped" marking on the hinge in live animals and the smaller hinge size in shells still appear to distinguish those animals from J. exquisita. Live animals were probably first recorded in Hawaii from Hekili Point, Maui by CP in Aug. 1989. Photo:  CP: 3.6 mm: Hekili Point, Maui; March 22, 2006. Observations and comments: Note 1:  ( )
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