''Plaxiphora egregia'' is a distinctive

chiton Chitons () are marine molluscs of varying size in the class Polyplacophora (), formerly known as Amphineura. About 940 extant and 430 fossil species are recognized. They are also sometimes known as gumboots or sea cradles or coat-of-mail s ...

in the family

Mopaliidae Mopaliidae is a family of marine molluscs in the class Polyplacophora. Genera There are 10 recognized genera: * '' Amicula'' Gray, 1847 * '' Dendrochiton'' Berry, 1911 * '' Gallardochiton'' Sirenko, 2007 * ''Katharina'' Gray, 1847 * ''Mopalia'' ...

, endemic to the South Island of

New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...

, where it is uncommon.

Description and habitat

Small flat chiton, 15-25mm in length, usually oval with some individuals almost round. Crests of the

valves A valve is a device or natural object that regulates, directs or controls the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically fittings ...

are smooth with radial ribs and granular grooves running down to the edges, the whole usually light greenish with darker blotches. The yellowish brown girdle is relatively wide and is covered in spicules. There are tufts of white bristles along the inner girdle at the base of each valve suture and at the head, with shorter bristles surrounding the margin poking outwards. P. egregia hollows out a cavity in bull kelp holdfasts, usually on exposed rocky coasts, from low intertidal to shallow subtidal zones. Found from Cook Strait south to Stewart Island.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q3802632 Mopaliidae Chitons of New Zealand Molluscs described in 1866