(Montagu, 1803)
Description (shell):
Shell similar toGibbula umbilicalis but with upper whorls tending to be more tumid, with sutures more prominent, and with slightly turreted profile, reminiscent of Gibbula tumida and Gibbula magus . Umbilicus open in young shells, closing later to form a depression against inner lip (G. pennanti ); occasionally a small umbilical chink may persist (G. pennanti-drawing).
Size:
Up to 16 x 15 mm (large shells may be taller than broad).
Colour:
Shell colour similar to Gibbula umbilicalis , but with reticulate rather than striped pattern on base of last whorl; some shells homogeneous coppery red, green, or black, with or without red or white spiral bands at periphery.
Animal:
Like Gibbula umbilicalis . Colour, however, is greyish rather than yellow. Neck lobes usually rather bright yellow nevertheless, and the same colour occurs on the sole of the foot. White speckles on the sides of the foot.
Habitat:
Habitat similar to Gibbula cineraria and Gibbula umbilicalis ; particularly common in low-shore pools.
Distribution:
A southern species occurring on the Atlantic coasts of Spain and France and in the Channel Islands. Absent from mainland Britain and French Channel coasts east of Barfleur (near Cherbourg). Probably not in the North Sea.