>I was in California recently and collected a shell that I am having trouble
>identifying.  I think that it might be an immmature Pteropurpura festivus.
>It is 22mm in size and has the lines, orifice shape and closed siphonal
>canal of P festivus but none of those flaps on the knobs.    Does P.
>festivus not develop those flat varices until they are larger/more mature?
>
>Beth DeHaas
>[log in to unmask]
 
Betty,
        Yes, you may have a P. festivus.  The immature form has slight or
no varices.  Check with the Los Angeles Museum of natural History (Dr.
James McLean or Lindsey Groves).  I have collected P. Festiva and have
found many different maturity levels and variations in sizes.
        Good luck.
Dan
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan & Hiromi Yoshimoto
1164 Vista Dr.
Eureka, California
        95503-6018
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]