Image of Lepetodrilus

Susan Mills

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These are small protoconchs with fine pitted sculpture. In some individuals the pits appear to form lines, but this is not usually evident under the light microscope. The line of the aperture continues straight to the posterior edge of the shell in the apical view. There is a distinct medium-width aperture rim visible under the compound microscope. Five species of Lepetodrilus - L. cristatus, L. elevatus, L. ovalis, L. pustulosus (all described in McLean, 1988) and L. tevnianus McLean 1993 , are present at 9°N. All these species have protoconchs that are similar in size and shape. Some individuals are nearly transparent (above left), while others are more opaque; it is possible this is a taxonomically useful trait, but the species cannot be distinguished morphologically at this time.

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