Haustrum scobina, or the oyster borer, is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.[1] Oyster borers use a mucous layer that surrounds the entrance to their shell to prevent desiccation in the midlittoral and high tidal zones. Oyster Borers are frequently found in crevices which have more protection from predators, higher water availability, lower temperature, extremes in salinity and protection from the sun and wind.

Haustrum scobina
Shell of Haustrum scobina (lerctotype at MNHN, Paris)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Neogastropoda
Family: Muricidae
Genus: Haustrum
Species:
H. scobina
Binomial name
Haustrum scobina
(Quoy & Gaimard, 1833)
Synonyms[1]
  • Lepsiella scobina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833)
  • Purpura rugosa Quoy & Gaimard, 1833
  • Purpura scobina Quoy & Gaimard, 1833
  • Purpura scobina var. rutila Suter, 1899
  • Purpura tristis Dunker in Dunker & Zelabor, 1866

Description

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The length of the shell varies between 14 mm and 35 mm.

Distribution

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It is endemic to New Zealand and is found off the North, South, Stewart and the Chatham Islands.[2] This species generally prefers inter-tidal zones, such as the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland, New Zealand.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Haustrum scobina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833). Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 24 April 2010.
  2. ^ "NZ Mollusca - Haustrum scobina". www.mollusca.co.nz. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Shellfish Identification Guide". Hauraki Gulf Forum. http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/fms/main/Documents/Environment/Coastal%20and%20marine/Shellfish%20Identification%20Guide.pdf.

Further reading

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  • Miller M & Batt G, Reef and Beach Life of New Zealand, William Collins (New Zealand) Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1973
  • Powell A. W. B., New Zealand Mollusca, William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
  • Beu, A. G. 1990. Molluscan generic diversity of New Zealand Neogene stages: extinction and biostratigraphic events. – Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 77: 279–288.
  • Spencer, H.G., Marshall, B.A. & Willan, R.C. (2009). Checklist of New Zealand living Mollusca. pp 196–219. in: Gordon, D.P. (ed.) New Zealand inventory of biodiversity. Volume one. Kingdom Animalia: Radiata, Lophotrochozoa, Deuterostomia. Canterbury University Press,
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