About Cominella adspersa (Bruguière, 1789)
The shell of Cominella adspersa varies in length between 25 mm and 75 mm. It has an oblong-ovate shape and a red-brown color. The entire surface of the shell is marked with numerous, closely spaced regular transverse striae, which are interwoven with other very fine longitudinal striae. The pointed spire is made up of seven whorls; every whorl except the lowest is decorated with longitudinal tubercles or ribs. The columella projects slightly above an incipient umbilicus, which opens into the shell at the base of the emargination. The aperture is ovular, and has a beautiful reddish callosity on the left lip. The outer lip is arched, with folds along its inner edge that match the number of external striae. This species is endemic to New Zealand, where it occurs along the coasts of the North Island, the northern South Island, and the Chatham Islands. It lives in the mid to low tidal zone, and can be found at depths of up to 20 meters.
