Bela bella
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| Bela bella | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
| Order: | Neogastropoda |
| Family: | Mangeliidae |
| Genus: | Bela |
| Species: | B. bella |
| Binomial name | |
| Bela bella Barnard, 1958 | |
Bela bella is a species of small predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Mangeliidae.[1] The species was first described by the South African malacologist K. H. Barnard in 1958 from specimens collected off the southern coast of South Africa.[2]
Members of the genus Bela are small carnivorous snails belonging to the superfamily Conoidea, a large group of predatory marine gastropods.[3]
Bela bella was originally described by K. H. Barnard in 1958 as part of his work on South African marine mollusks.[2] The species is currently recognized as a valid member of the genus Bela within the family Mangeliidae.[1]
The genus Bela contains numerous species of small marine gastropods characterized by elongated shells and predatory behavior typical of many members of the superfamily Conoidea.[4]
Description and shell morphology
The shell of Bela bella is small and slender with a fusiform (spindle-shaped) outline typical of many species in the genus Bela.[2]
The aperture is narrow and elongated, following the general shape of the shell.[2] The outer lip is thin and may exhibit an anal sinus, a feature characteristic of many conoidean gastropods.[3]
The columella, the internal pillar of the shell, is relatively smooth and slightly curved.[2]
The shell sculpture includes axial ribs intersected by spiral striae or grooves, producing a textured surface typical of many mangeliid gastropods.[4]
Shell coloration in species of the genus Bela is usually pale, commonly ranging from white or cream to light brown.[4] Because Barnard’s original description of Bela bella was brief, some details of its morphology remain uncertain and are inferred through comparison with other species of the genus.[4]
Diagnostic characteristics
| Characteristic | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Shell shape | Fusiform (spindle-shaped) shell typical of the genus Bela | [2] |
| Sculpture | Axial ribs intersected by spiral grooves | [2][4] |
| Aperture | Narrow and elongated | [2] |
| Anal sinus | Present in outer lip, typical of conoidean gastropods | [3] |
| Columella | Smooth and slightly curved | [2] |
| Coloration | Usually pale (white to light brown) | [4] |