Plococidaris verticillata ( Lamarck, 1816 )

Filander, Zoleka & Griffiths, Charles, 2017, Illustrated guide to the echinoid (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) fauna of South Africa, Zootaxa 4296 (1), pp. 1-72 : 19-20

* Plococidaris verticillata ( Lamarck, 1816)

Fig. 15 A–C.

Phyllacanthus verticillata: A. Agassiz, 1881: 40 .

Plococidaris verticillata: Mortensen, 1928a: 428 –433. Pl. LI, Figs 3–7 . Pl. LXXIV, Fig. 5 . Pl. LXXXIII, Figs 19–21 ; Schultz, 2010: 50, Figs 88–92; Filander & Griffiths, 2014: 51. Pl. I, Fig. F.

Prionocidaris verticillata: H.L. Clark, 1925a: 17 ; Richmond, 1997: 294; Samyn, 2003: 200, Figs 2 E, E’.

Material examined. SAMC-A28236.

Identification. Test robust, low and flattened above and below, with arched sides; pores not distinctively conjugate. Apical disc star-shaped, dark, ocular and genital plates with a series of tubercles along the outer and inner edge. Peristome conically raised. Primary spines with three to four crown-like structures, with sharp ends; scrobicular spines adpressed. Generally green/brownish in color, primary spines somewhat banded, whorls having white tips; secondary spines greenish with a light brown base.

Global maximum size. Maximum test diameter 40 mm.

Global distribution. Kenya (Samyn 2003), Zanzibar, East coast of South Africa ( Filander & Griffiths 2014), East Africa to Fiji and Hawaiian Islands, from southern Japan to Australian east coast; from littoral to 50 m ( Schultz 2010).

Remarks. Distinguishable from Acanthocidaris maculicollis by its stout spines, bearing 3–4 crown structures, and its conically raised peristome.

Figures

FIGURE 2. Body plan of an irregular echinoid or sand dollar (Clypeaster rarispinus), showing terminology of various body parts.

FIGURE 3. The body plan of an irregular echinoids or heart urchin (Echinocardium cordatum), showing terminology of different body parts.

FIGURE 4. Tubercle types: A. perforated and non-crenulated (Stereocidaris alcocki). B. non-perforated and non-crenulated (Stomopneustes variolaris). C. perforated and crenulated (Chaetodiadema africanum).

FIGURE 5. Histocidaris elegans (SAMC-A 22212): A. Side view of preserved specimen. B. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 6. Eucidaris metularia (SAMC-A 28226): A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of preserved specimen. C. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 7. Kionocidaris striata (MBC-A 022213): A. Map showing distribution. B. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 15. Plococdaris verticillata (SAMC-A 28236). A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of preserved specimen. C. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 19. Hygrosoma petersii (SAMC-A 22219). A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen. C. Oral view of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 20. Sperosoma biseriatum A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen (Schultz, 2010). C. Oral view of preserved specimen (Schultz, 2010).

FIGURE 21. Tromikosoma uranus (SAMC-A 22122). A. Map showing distribution. B. view of preserved specimen. C. Oral view of preserved specimen.