Southern Baler
NameSouthern Baler
Scientific NameMelo miltonis
Common NameSouthern Baler
FamilyVolutidae
GenusMelo
Speciesmiltonis
Geographic DistributionEndemic to Southern Australia, including Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)Adult shells commonly range from 150 mm to 300 mm (15-30 cm) in length, with some exceptional specimens exceeding this size.
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its very large size, ovate and inflated shape, low spire, wide and elongated aperture, and the characteristic tessellated or reticulated pattern of white patches on a dark brown/orange background. The columella usually features several strong, oblique folds.
Rarityrare
Author CitationGriffith & Pidgeon, 1834
Description
A large, heavy, ovate to subglobose marine gastropod shell, characterized by its distinctive color pattern of irregular white patches on a reddish-brown or orange-brown background. The spire is relatively low, and the aperture is wide. The shell surface is typically smooth and glossy, often partially covered by the animal's mantle in life. The image shows the living mollusc partially extended, nestled among marine vegetation.
