DSC_7053 Snakeskin chiton, or papatua (Sypharochiton pelliserpentis) underside. Commonly found around NZ from the high to low intertidal, on sheltered and exposed shores. Otago Harbour *
DSC_5595 Snakeskin chiton, or papatua (Sypharochiton pelliserpentis) "butterfly shells" named after their shape, are all that remain of a chiton after it dies and the eight-part shell comes apart. These plates sometimes wash up in beach drift. Karitane *
DSC_7787 Etched chiton, or papatua (Onithochiton neglectus neglectus) showing typical South Island forms, with buff coloured girdles. Commonly found in the low intertidal, to depths of 15m. Usually on the underside of cobble or where the sand and rock meet on bedrock. Otago Harbour
