Plaxiphora obtecta is a large chiton in the family Mopaliidae, endemic to New Zealand, where it is most often found on the West Coast of the North Island. It is called Haka-hiwihiwi by some Māori and was likely a food source.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Giant chiton being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Plaxiphora albida
- Mopalia hindsii
- Eudoxochiton nobilis
- Plaxiphora aurata
- Mopalia kennerleyi
- Mesotomura echinata
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Mollusca
- Class
- Polyplacophora
- Order
- Chitonida
- Family
- Mopaliidae
- Genus
- Plaxiphora
- Species
- Plaxiphora obtecta
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