Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

 

Family Architectonicidae

Sundials

Sundials are rare, associated with corals and anemones upon which they feed.

 

 

Heliacus trochoides

Makapu'u intertidal, Oahu

Makapu'u intertidal, Oahu
Uncommon in beds of zoanthid anemones on intertidal pools and benches.  About 1/2 tall.

 

 

 

 

Heliacus variegatus

Variegated Sundial, Oahu

Makapu'u tidepool, Oahu 

VARIEGATED SUNDIAL

Uncommon with Palythoa zoanthids in shallow water.  Cream with brown or black beaded spirals.  Reaches 1/2 inch.

 

 

 

 

Philippia radiata

Philippia radiata, Oahu

RADIATING SUNDIAL

Uncommon in sand & rubble next to Porites lobata upon which it feeds at night.  Color variable, protoconch white, Philippia oxytropis has a brown protoconch with a white spot.  About 3/4 inch wide.

 

 

 

 

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