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Additional Photos
underside
young
shell
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GALLERY
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Pupa tessellata (Reeve, 1842)
Maximum size: 20 mm
(extrapolated from shell length).
Identification:
This species has a heavily calcified shell with widely spaced punctate
striae
and peach maculations. The body is translucent gray with white flecks.
Natural history:
Pupa tessellata is
a moderately common sand dweller found in protected to moderately
protected back reef sand patches at depths of 1-3 m (3-10 ft) as well
as in Halimeda kanaolana beds
at depths
up to 17 m (56 ft). Dredged shells at the
Bishop Museum extend the depth range to at least 82 m (269 ft). It is
nocturnally
active, plowing through the sand just beneath the surface at night
while remaining buried by day.
Distribution:
Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu and French Frigate Shoals: widely distributed in
the Indo-Pacific.
Taxonomic notes:
The photo of this species in Kay, 1979 is mislabeled as Pupa pudica. Pupa Thaanumi, Pilsbry, 1917 is a
synonym. (Kay, 1979).
Photo: CP:
about 18 mm: Hekili Point, Maui; Oct. 3, 2002.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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