Liralucina craticula n. sp.

(Figs 26B; 27)

TYPE MATERIAL. — Holotype:1 RV,L 3.8 mm, H 3.3 mm, T 1.1 mm (MNHN).

Paratypes: from type locality, 43 v and 3 juvenile shells (largest L 4.5 mm, H 3.8 mm, T 1.3 mm) (MNHN). — Figured paratypes: from type locality, 1 LV, L 3.8 mm, H 3.2 mm, T 1.0 mm; 1 LV, L 3.5 mm, H 3.0 mm, T 1.0 mm (MNHN); 1 LV, L 3.5 mm, H 3.2 mm, T 1.1mm (BMNH 20050574); 1 RV, L 3.4 mm, H 2.9 mm, T 1.0 mm (BMNH 20050574) .

ETYMOLOGY. — Latin cratis, wickerwork or hurdle, reference to the form of sculpture.

TYPE LOCALITY. — New Caledonia, Baie de Touho, stn 1250, 20°46.7’S, 165°13.7’E, 3-6 m.

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Touho. 6 stn, 0-8 m, 120 v, 2 live.

DISTRIBUTION. — Known only from New Caledonia.

DESCRIPTION

Shell white, small, H to 3.8 mm, L to 4.5 mm, subovate, anteriorly extended, longer than high (H/L 0.86), inequilateral, anterior end longer, moderately inflated (T/L 0.29) umbones elevated. Sculpture of numerous fine, radial ribs (35-38), rounded in profile, variable in thickness, occasionally dividing, crossed by fine, widely spaced commarginal threads.Radial ribs become indistinct on posterior dorsal area.In juvenile shells radial ribs absent or faint (Fig. 27G).Protoconch large (140 µm); PI flat, smooth,PII a very narrow rim. Lunule large, symmetrical. Ligament short, slightly inset. RV with a single cardinal tooth and anterior lateral and posterior lateral teeth and sockets.LV with two small cardinal teeth, long anterior lateral socket and a posterior tooth and socket. Anterior adductor scar short, detached from pallial line for about 1/5 of length. Posterior scar ovate. Pallial line continuous. Shell margin finely crenulate, indistinct near anterior and absent along posterior margin.

REMARKS

Liralucina craticula n. sp. is similar to L. lifouina n. sp. but has fewer radial ribs with broader interspaces, more widely spaced commarginal lamellae and a longer,more incised lunule. The protoconch of L. craticula n. sp. has a large, smooth PI and very narrow PII compared with L. lifouina n. sp. that has a convex protoconch with a broad PII with growth increments.