Zoological Illustrations Series II/Plate 87



Of this distinct and very remarkable genus of Volutes, few species have hitherto been discovered: the subordinate divisions cannot therefore be traced; nor do we feel satisfied that all the typical characters have been detected: we consider it nevertheless, as a perfectly natural genus, absolutely essential to mark the connection between the Volutes and the Marginillæ. Lamark, indeed, as if aware of this affinity, actually describes one species as a Marginilla. The union of the three aberrant genera of Scaphella, Volutilithes, and Harpula, into one circle, is effected by the ''Scap. papillaris and the Harpula Lapponica: the former species conducting us at the same time to the typical Volutes, by means of Voluta fulgetrum'' of Sowerby.

Scaphella maculata is a native of the Australian seas, and is of great rarity. Our drawings were made from one of the beautiful specimens in Mr. Broderip's possession, It is probable that the animals of this genus envelope their shells in an ample mantle, since they are almost always enamelled.