Checkered Periwinkle

Chlorodiloma odontis

Chlorodiloma odontis, known as the checkered periwinkle, is a small marine gastropod with a shell size ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm. The shell is globose-conic and can be either imperforate or very narrowly perforate. Its surface features fine spiral striations that become less pronounced on the body whorl, while the apical whorls are white and often eroded. The shell displays a delicate reticulation of intersecting black or bluish lines, and the body whorl has a subangulate periphery. The outer lip of the shell is thin and acute, with a green interior that has an iridescent quality. The columella is arcuate and pearly edged, with the umbilico-columellar area exhibiting a vivid pea-green color. This species is endemic to Australia, found off the coasts of South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. It inhabits a benthic environment, typically at depths shallower than 40 meters, with most occurrences recorded at depths less than 10 meters. The checkered periwinkle is often encountered in rocky habitats and tide pools, where it grazes on algae and other organic matter. Breeding details for Chlorodiloma odontis are not extensively documented, but like many gastropods, it is likely to have a reproductive cycle that includes laying eggs. Divers may find this species while exploring shallow waters, often resting on rocky surfaces or among algae. The checkered periwinkle is not evaluated for conservation status, indicating that its population trends are not currently assessed.