Bathycadulus queirosi new species

Figs 3, 4

Type material. Holotype (dd) MNHN 24342; 2 paratypes (dd) MNHN 24343.

Type locality. Vanuatu, 14°52'S, 167°18'E, 1550–1620 m [MUSORSTOM 8, stn CP 1109].

Distribution. Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. Shells in 751 to 1550 m depth.

Description. Shell 4.6 mm long, polished white. Outline with two bulges, one at posterior fourth of shell, one at the anterior fourth of shell. Concave central area, most conspicuous in lateral view and almost parallel in dorsal view. Apical sector rapidly tapering from posterior bulge. Apex simple, irregular edge, slightly dorsoventrally compressed on transversal section, preapical callus well developed. Oral sector also rapidly tapering from anterior bulge. Aperture simple, straight, laterally compressed.

Material examined. Vanuatu: MUSORSTOM 8: stn CP 1109, 14°52'S, 167°18'E, 1550−1620 m, 16 dd (Holotype and 2 Paratypes); stn CP1110 14°49'S, 167°15'E, 1360 m, 6 dd; stn CP1126, 15°58'S, 166°40'E, 1210−1260 m, 1 dd; Solomon Islands: SALOMON I: stn DW1743, 11°29'S, 159°57.5'E, 517−751 m, 1 dd; stn CP1751, 0 9°10.4'S, 159°53'E, 749−799 m, 6 dd.

Remarks. Bathycadulus queirosi is noticeably wider than B. fabrizioi, the central area is less conspicuous and the apical and oral constrictions are longer. The specimens from Vanuatu were found in deeper waters than those from the Solomon Islands.

Etymology. Named for Pedro Fernandes de Queirós (1563−1615), Portuguese navigator and explorer, commonly known as Quirós, who discovered, under Spanish flag, Vanuatu (New Hebrides) and the Solomon Islands.