Steromphala adriatica (Philippi, 1844)
Mediterranean, especially in Adriatic. Black Sea.
Grazer and deposit feeder in the shallow infralittoral.
Original taxon: Trochus adriaticus.
Beached, Grado, Friuli Venezia Giulia, NE. Italy. 8-12mm.
« Originally described as a variation of Steromphala adansonii, it differs from this species by the angular suture of the bigger last whorl. […] Steromphala adriatica shows a distinct shape in lateral and ventral views. It is characterised by the larger last whorl, an acute apex, as well as a narrow, round, and conical umbilicus without distinct atrium. The whorls are slightly shouldered. Fresh shells of this species always show green colouration around the umbilicus, which tends to fade in dry and preserved shells. The sculpture consists of several spiral lines, sometimes marked in colour or white bands. » – Affenzeller, Haar & Steiner: “Revision of the genus complex Gibbula”, Organisms, Diversity & Evolution vol. XVII, december 2017, via ResearchGate.

Synonyms: abrodiaetus, olivaceus, varians.
Two specimens from Kassiopi Bay, NE. Corfu. 11-11,5mm. Strong spiral cords.
Thin cords.
9m deep, dead among stones at base of reef, west of the small harbour of Ferma, east of Ierapetra, SE. Crete. 8mm.

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