Diniatys dentifer
(A.Adams, 1850)

Order: CEPHALASPIDEA
Superfamily: HAMINOEOIDEA
Family: Haminoeidae

DISTRIBUTION

Tropical western Pacific.

PHOTO

UPPER: 5mm long; Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia, 2m; 21 May 1999 (bh06a). LOWER: A, Shell of Syntype, Bulla dentifera A.Adams, 1850; 5.1 x 3.4mm, BMNH #199406. Lord Hood's Island (Marutea Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago) Type Locality. B, Shell 3.5 x 2mm, from 5mm specimen. Guam, Bile Bay reef flat (c30_2) 30 December 1987. Photos: C.H. Carlson & P.J. Hoff.

The genus Diniatys Iredale, 1936 [as a replacement for Dinia H & A Adams,
1854] is based upon shell alone. It's most distinguishing characteristic being a 'tooth-like' projection on the columella. The D. dentifer we have found are generally various shades of brown with a darker amorphous brown band on the midline of the head. Some have been found that are somewhat green in color and others without the band on the head.

The major host is the blue-green algae, Lyngbya majuscula (in earlier notes we used Microcoleus lyngbyaceus). It has also been found on Schizothrix and Hormothamnion.

[This is a summary of the message from C. Carlson and P.J. Hoff - 9 Sept, 2000]

NOTE: See Richard Willan's message correcting spelling from D. dentifera.

Reference:
• Adams, A. (1850) Monograph of the family Bullidae. In Sowerby, G. Thesaurus Conchyliorum. Vol. 2, London, pp. 553-608, pls 119-125.

Authorship details
Carlson, C.H. & Hoff, P.J., 2000 (September 8) Diniatys dentifer (A.Adams, 1850). [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet/dinident

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