Two rare and bizarre species of Sassia Bellardi, 1872 (Gastropoda: Ranellidae) in southern Australia, with a new species and notes on the development of Sassia (Austrotriton)

Abstract

A new species, Sassia (Cymatiella) ansonae, from southern Western Australia is the most elaborately sculptured species in the family. The four known specimens of Sassia (Austrotriton) epitrema (T. Woods, 1877) are illustrated, and the most diagnostic character of S. (Austrotriton) pointed out: modern species completely lack a protoconch, or have an irregularly calcified apex; they have direct development.