Zoological Illustrations Series II/Plate 77
HARPULA VEXILLUM.
Orange Flag Volute.
HARPULA vexillum.
Orange-flag Volute.
Family Volutidæ. Sub-family Volutinæ. Nob.
Generic Characters.
Shell generally tuberculated or longitudinally ribbed: apex of the spire papillary, smooth, and in general distorted: Pillar with numerous distinct plaits; the upper small and slender, the lower thickest and shortest.
Type. Voluta Hebræa. Lam.
Types of form. I. Vol. Hebræa, musica, pusio, polyzonalis, &c. II. Vol. bullata? III. Vol. multicostata, mitræformis, costata, lyriformis, nucleus, &c. IV. Vol. rupestris, dubia? V. Vol. lapponica, vexillum. Auct.
Specific Character.
Shell either smooth, or slightly and acutely tuberculated; white with numerous bands of orange; pillar thickened in the middle, and marked with from six to eight plates.
Voluta vexillum. Auct. Lam. Syst. 7. 346. Ency. Meth. pl. 381 f. 1. a. b. optimè.
Few Volutes can exceed this in elegance or beauty. The peculiarity of its markings, resembling the national colours of Holland, has procured it the name of the Orange-flag Volute. Although long known to Conchologists, it still continues a rare shell to our cabinets, and is much sought for on the continent, particular among the collectors in Holland; they view it with something of a national fondness, and value it at a high price. It is brought from Amboyna, and some other islands of the Indian Ocean. The many-plaited Volutes, form one of the most natural groups in the whole department of Conchology; and one which the most unpractised student will have no difficulty in understanding. The more experienced Conchologist, in studying its contents, will detect some very extraordinary and beautiful analogies. It contains, in fact, representations of all the principal divisions of the old genus Voluta, and also of the corresponding groups among the Mitras; to which sub-family it forms the true passage. We feel some hesitation, however, in regard to the second type; or that which must lead immediately to Volutilithes; as we rather suspect that the true type, or more properly the annectant form, by which this union is effected, has not yet been discovered. We share also in Mr. Broderips doubts, regarding the situation of his V. dubia.