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As I was able to procure reliable material from Mauritius collectors, it was an opportunity to follow up Dr. Verdcourt's
supposition, in order to clarify the status of C. esontropia. I received numerous specimens of this rather rare species from
Mauritius collectors, especially Mrs. Couacaud, who sent quite a number on loan, including a preserved animal; the latter was
sent to Dr. F A. Schilder for study. The results were as follows:
The shell: All 28 live-collected and 2 sub-fossil specimens were undoubtedly C. esontropia. The majority of specimens had the
"typical" deltoidal shape, while a few were elongate-ovate, resembling C. cribraria in this respect, all specimens had both
sides thickened. The dorsal base colour was mostly a fawnish-orange. Some specimens, however, were orange or reddish-orange,
with pale transverse dorsal zones visible on the dorsum. Both margins were thickly spotted with dark brown, the columellar
spots extending onto the base. On an average, the labial teeth were fewer in number than in C. cribraria. The columellar
teeth did not extend as ridges onto the curved fossula, but appeared as weakly formed, isolated denticles. There was no
specimen without the marginal spotting, and one adult specimen lacked the greater part of the dorsal pattern.
For the reef crawler who likes tide pools and the splash zone of reefs, the best area is from the Barber's Point Light House
to the Campbell Estate Barge Harbor. In general the shore in this area is composed of coral slabs and law (2 to 4 ft.)
cliff-like drop-offs on which the usually rather moderate breakers wash over at high tide and which are left dry except for
sometimes rather heavy splashing during low tide. Small to moderate tide pools are the rule but occasionally rather large
pools may be found. At times this area has no breakers and the shore line then offers moderately good shelling in shallow
water suitable for a diver equipped with mask, flippers, and snorkel. A look box can also be used in the more shallow areas
in very quiet waters. In these tidal areas by far the most common shell is Nerita picea which can be taken by the hundreds.
Also I have collected Nerita neglecta and more rarely Nerita plicata. Also very common are all Philippines species of the
Littorinidae. Occasionally I find shells of the Patellidae family clinging to coral or rocks. Also in the tidal pools,
clinging to the underside of small coral chunks, were Purpura intermedia and harpa. And finally, for the splash zone, my
first Hydatina amplustre was collected in the rocky area midway between Barber's Point lighthouse and the barge harbor.
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