This is the first genus of Lamarck’s arrangement of convoluted shells;
it is nearly allied to the Cypræa, but easily distinguished from it by
the want of spire, and by not having teeth on the columellar lip; the
right lip is reflected inwardly, sometimes wrinkled and sometimes
smooth.
Shell oblong, convex, resembling the Cypræa in form, with the two
extremities of the aperture notched, and more or less prolonged like a
tube; the left margin dentated.
Ovula oviformis.
O. angulosa.
O. verrucosa.
O. hordacea.
O. spelta.
O. birostris.
O. lactea.
O. carnea.
O. triticea.
O. gibbosa.
O. acicularis.
O. volva.
_O. volva._ The Weaver’s Shuttle. Pl. 34, fig. 4.
Species in which the right edge is not thickened or dentated, and with
each extremity elongated, producing a long, straight tube, which
increases with age. One of the most rare shells of this genus.
_O. oviformis._ The egg-shaped Ovula. Pl. 34, fig. 1.
Species ovate, much inflated, ventricose in the centre, very glossy and
white; right edge dentated, the tube of each extremity very prominent;
interior of aperture reddish purple.
_O. gibbosa._ The belted Ovula. Pl. 34, fig. 2.
Species gibbous, neither end dentated; tubes little marked, and with the
body of the shell encircled by a blunt keel.
_O. verrucosa._ The warty Ovula. Pl. 34, fig. 3.
Species in which the right end is dentated, with a notch and a knob
above at each extremity.