Anodontia waharoaensis

The species has a very large, subcircular shell, which is strongly inflates and globose. It has a low, inconspicuous prosogyrous beak found slightly anterior of the midline. The surface of the shells have comarginal grooves that are weak and irregular. The holotype of the species measures in length and in height, with a postumbonal length of and an anterior-dorsal apical inclination of 25°. It can be distinguished from A. edentuloides due to A. waharoaensis being three times its size, and by having wrinkled irregular growth lines. A. sphericula differs due to being less circular and having fine concentric threads on the outside of its shell. ==Taxonomy==

The species was first described by Michael K. Eagle in 1992 as Anodontia (Anodontia) waharoaensis. The holotype was collected on 24 May 1992 by Eagle from Te Waharoa Bay, south of Muriwai, Auckland Region, and is held in the collections of Auckland War Memorial Museum. When Eagle described the species, it was the only known member of Anodontia to be found in New Zealand. ==Distribution==

This extinct marine species occurs in early Miocene strata of the Tirikohua Formation of New Zealand, on the west coast of the Waitākere Ranges of the Auckland Region, New Zealand. ==Gallery==

Anodontia waharoaensis MA72308-c.jpg|Side view of holotype Anodontia waharoaensis MA72309 003.jpg|Type specimen ==References==