Cypraeidae - Chestnut Cowrie Neobernaya spadicea – Chestnut Cowrie

atural specimen of Neobernaya spadicea, a species in the family Cypraeidae and known in malacological collecting as the Chestnut Cowrie or chestnut cowry. The shell features an oval, compact, and strongly inflated shape, with a naturally smooth and glossy surface. The dorsum is characterized by a warm brown-orange coloration, interspersed with amber, coppery, and reddish-brown hues. The central area, brighter, is bounded by progressively darker and irregular margins, creating an elegant contrast with the light edges. The flanks and the base show tones ranging from porcelain white, cream, to very pale pink. The separation between the dorsum chestnut color area and the lighter parts develops through shaded, wavy margins, one of the most recognizable chromatic elements of the species. The base presents the characteristic longitudinal opening of cowries, narrow and regular, bounded by robust lips and a well-defined serration. The specimen shows some small natural marks and imperfections on the dorsal surface, clearly visible in the photographs. These elements are reported with full transparency and should be considered part of the shell’s real condition. With a size of 39.2 mm, it represents an interesting specimen for a malacological collection focused on Cypraeidae, California shells, and species of the North Pacific. The lot is offered at auction without a reserve price. Scientific name: Neobernaya spadicea Family: Cypraeidae Common name: Chestnut Cowrie Size: 37.2 mm Condition: natural specimen with small dorsal marks and imperfections visible in photos Auction: without reserve price

Estimate:$179.79

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