88 — Depressed olive, Amalda depressa

Amalda (B.) depressa, Devonport,
Auckland, 17/6/18.

Amalda (B.) depressa, Devonport,
Auckland, 17/6/18.

The depressed olive, Amalda (Baryspira) depressa * is a small (~18mm) and attractive olive species. Its name derives from its squat shape, not any perceived snail-mood. They are endemic to New Zealand and are found down to the top of South Island.

Amalda (B.) depressa, Devonport,
Auckland, 2016.

Amalda (B.) depressa, Devonport,
Auckland, 2016.

Amalda (B.) depressa, Mount Beach,
Mt. Maunganui 14/11/16.

Amalda (B.) depressa, Mount Beach,
Mt. Maunganui, 14/11/16.

They prefer fine sandy sediments in areas of moderate shelter; essentially similar habitat to the southern olive (A. (B.) australis). However, A. (B.) depressa is less common.

Behaviourally, they are very fast burrowers and will re-bury themselves in about a minute if disturbed. This is yet another small species for which there is very little ecological knowledge available.


* (G.B.Sowerby II, 1859)