''Sypharochiton pelliserpentis'' is a species of

chiton Chitons () are marine molluscs of varying size in the class Polyplacophora (), formerly known as Amphineura. About 940 extant and 430 fossil species are recognized. They are also sometimes known as gumboots or sea cradles or coat-of-mail s ...

in the

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Chitonidae Chitonidae is a family of chitons or polyplacophorans, marine mollusks whose shell is composed of eight articulating plates or valves. There are fifteen extant genera in three subfamilies. Subfamilies and genera Subfamilies and genera within the ...

. As the species name suggests, the surface of the

girdle A belt, especially if a cord or rope, is called a girdle if it is worn as part of Christian liturgical vestments, or in certain historical, literary or sports contexts. Girdles are used to close a cassock in Christian denominations, including th ...

in this chiton has a pattern of overlaying scales resembling snakeskin, and it is commonly referred to as the snakeskin chiton. The

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name for the species is ''papatua''.

Distribution

The snakeskin chiton, ''Sypharochiton pelliserpentis'', has a country-wide distribution around New Zealand – including the Chatham Islands, and is also distributed around the coasts of Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales in Australia. S. pelliserpentis is often extremely numerous on New Zealand shores, reaching densities of up to 228 individuals per square metre, and it has been shown to occupy a wide range of shore levels wherever there is a solid substrate available – from inner estuaries to high energy surf beaches. Generally it is located on rock surfaces rather than under stones, and is often found above neap high water mark.

Description

''S. pelliserpentis'' can be distinguished from its sister taxa '' Sypharochiton sinclairi'' by a lack of longitudinal striping on the valves, a more olive colour (rather than turquoise for S. sinclairi) and by radula length. ''S. sinclairi'' also occupies a different station, with ''S. pelliserpentis'' generally found on top of rocks above mid tide while ''S. sinclari'' is generally located under stones and in rock pools over the lower tidal and sub-tidal region. Powell A. W. B. (1979). ''New Zealand Mollusca'', William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand,

References

External links

* Papatua (snakeskin chiton) discussed on

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16 June 2023
Chitonidae Chitons described in 1835 Molluscs of New Zealand {{Chiton-stub