New Zealand Seashore

DSC_7146 Butterfly chiton, or papatua (Cryptoconchus porosus) "butterfly shells" named after their shape, are all that remain of a butterfly chiton after it dies. In the living animal these shell plates are almost completely covered by the chitons girdle. Otago Harbour *

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DSC_7146 Butterfly chiton, or papatua (Cryptoconchus porosus) "butterfly shells" named after their shape, are all that remain of a butterfly chiton after it dies. In the living animal these shell plates are almost completely covered by the chitons girdle. Otago Harbour *

7146 DSC Butterfly chiton butterfly shells shell plates papatua Cryptoconchus porosus juvenile otago harbour