Snake-skin Chiton Chiton pelliserpentis

Form:

The Snake-skin Chiton's shell is large, oval and elongated. The shell segments, called valves have a sharp ridge or keel. The end valves and side areas are sculptured with radiating ribs of square-shaped nodules.

The girdle scales are large, oval , and marked with close striations. The shell is often eroded.

Colour:

The Snake-skin Chiton shell colour is dark green to blackish brown, with a black second valve. Other valves are black at the valve tips. The girdle has alternating bands of grey and black.

Distribution:

The Snake-skin Chiton ranges from New South Wales, though eastern Victoria to surround Tasmania, as well as New Zealand. This is the southern Australian representative of the New Zealand chiton, Sypharochiton pelliserpentis.

Habitat:

It occurs at mid-tide level and below on intertidal rocks, preferring cracks, crevices and gutters.

Questions:

Why is this chiton called the Snake-skinned Chiton ?

What advantage does the eight shell plates offer a chiton ?

References:

Also known as Sypharochiton serpentriones, Sypharochiton maugeanus, and Chiton serpentriones

Bennett, I. (1987) W.J. Dakin's classic study: Australian Seashores. p.260, Angus & Robertson, Sydney.

Cotton, B.C. (1964) South Australian Mollusca: Chitons. p.97, Govt. Printer, Adelaide.

Davey, K. (1998) A Photographic Guide to Seashore Life of Australia. p.72, New Holland, Sydney.

Edgar, G.J. (1997) Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. p.225, Reed Books, Kew.

Marine Research Group of Victoria (1984) Coastal Invertebrates of Victoria: an atlas of selected species. p.19, Museum of Victoria, Melbourne.

Underwood, A.J. & Chapman, M.G. (1993) Seashores: a beachcomber's guide. p.50, New South Wales University Press, Sydney.

Molluscs
Chitons

Spiculed Chiton
Snake-skinned Chiton
Yellow Chiton
Mysterious Chiton

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