Scutus

Scutus is a genus of large sea snails or limpets with the common name "shield shells". These are marine gastropod molluscs in the family Fissurellidae, the keyhole limpets and slit limpets.[1]

Scutus
a live Scutus sinensis
Dorsal view of a shell of Scutus breviculus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
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(unranked):
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Genus:
Scutus

Type species
Scutus antipodes
Montfort, 1810
Synonyms[1]
  • Aviscutum Iredale, 1940
  • Nannoscutum Iredale, 1937
  • Parmophorus Blainville, 1817 (unnecessary substitute name for Scutus)
  • Scutum P. Fischer, 1885 (invalid: unjustified emendation of Scutus)
  • Scutus (Aviscutum) Iredale, 1940
A live individual

Both the common name and the scientific name reflect the fact that the shells of species in this genus resemble a Roman shield.

Description

The animal itself has a large black mantle which usually completely covers the shell, giving the animal a superficially slug-like appearance.

Species

Species within the genus Scutus include:[2]

Species brought into synonymy

References

  1. Bouchet, P. (2012). Scutus Montfort, 1810. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=204176 on 2013-01-20
  2. Powell A. W. B., New Zealand Mollusca William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
  • Christiaens J. (1986). The Recent and fossil shells of the genus Scutus Montfort, 1810. Gloria Maris, 25(1):1-28
  • Higo, S., Callomon, P. & Goto, Y. (1999) Catalogue and Bibliography of the Marine Shell-Bearing Mollusca of Japan. Elle Scientific Publications, Yao, Japan, 749 pp.
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