Diam. maj. 0.42, min. 0.35 pol. Alt. 0.22 pol.
Hab. Insul. “Santa Barbara,” et “San Nicolas.”
Shell with perforation covered, depressed orbicular, solid, compact, smooth, whitish, zoned with a brownish red band; whorls 5 to 5½ somewhat convex, the last descending; suture slightly impressed; aperture oval; lip thick, reflected, yellowish.
A sub-fossil variety measures 0.60 by 0.32 inches. Very numerous on Santa Barbara Island; less so on San Nicolas.
This species differs so essentially from the ordinary type of California Helices as to suggest a tropical region as its original habitat. One character in common with many of our species may be noticed, viz.: the colored band cutting the body whorl, inclosed between two faint light colored cinctures.
The shell has a little the aspect of H. Rothi Pfr., from the Island of Syra, but is smaller, less elevated, and with a thick reflected yellow lip.
Helix Whitneyi Newc. State Collection, Species 1112.
H. testa corneo-fumosa, sub-planulata, polita umbilico perspectivo; sutura bene impressa; apertura lunaris; labro simplici; anfr. 4.
Diam. 0.20 pol. Alt. 0.10 pol.
Hab. prope “Lake Taho,” Cal., in montibus “Sierra Nevada,” elevatione 6100 ped. Angl.