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206 American Seashells
M. erinaceoides rhyssus Dall is similar to trialatiis, but with scaly fim-
briations all over, sometimes with numerous, rather strong spiral cords, and
grayish white in color. Southern CaHfornia, south. Uncommon offshore.
Subgenus Maxwellia Baily 1950
Murex gejimm Sowerby Gem Murex
Santa Barbara, CaHfornia, to Lower California.
Plate 246
I to I % inches in length, moderately high-spired, with 6 varices per
whorl. The varices are swollen, roundish and smooth and connect with each
other in the middle area of the whorl, but in the area of the suture, and again
near the base of the shell, the varix is thin, elevated and curled back and may
bear one or several small spines. There are several spiral low cords colored
blackish blue which are more obvious on the middle or smoother part of the
whorl. The spire appears to have squarish pits crudely dug out. Very common
along rocky areas under protective rubble and masses of worm tubes.
Murex santarosana Dall Santa Rosa Murex
Santa Barbara Islands to Lower California.
Figure 45d
I /4 inches in length, spire low, and with 6 curled-back, spined varices per
whorl. Anterior surface of varices strongly fimbriated. Narrow intervarical
space smooth. Color brownish white. Uncommon to rare on gravel bottom
just offshore to 30 fathoms. Do not confuse with the common gemma.
Murex festivus Hinds Festive Murex
Morro Bay, California, to Lower California.
Plate 24I
I /4 to 2 inches in length, spire high, 3 varices per whorl. Color brownish
cream with numerous fine, dark spiral lines. V^arix, with its thin, fimbriated
surface, curled backwards. One very large, rounded nodule between varices.
Very common on rocks or mud flats and down to 75 fathoms.
Genus Boreotrophon Fischer 1884
Boreotropho7i clathratus Linne Clathrate Trophon
Arctic Seas to Maine.
I to 2 inches in length, with rounded whorls, slightly flaring lip, and
numerous axial, foliated ribs. Chalk-white in color. There are several forms
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