Imbricariopsis conovula
Species of gastropod
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Imbricariopsis conovula, common name the egg miter[1], is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Mitridae, the miters or miter snails.[2]
| Imbricariopsis conovula | |
|---|---|
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| Shell of Imbricariopsis conovula | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
| Order: | Neogastropoda |
| Family: | Mitridae |
| Genus: | Imbricariopsis |
| Species: | I. conovula |
| Binomial name | |
| Imbricariopsis conovula | |
| Synonyms | |
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Description
External Shell and Structure
The length of the shell varies between 8 mm and 20 mm. The shell has an obconic shape with a short spire and inflated whorls. I. conovula is a white shell with a small patch of purple on the anterior end and with spiral striae on the body whorl.[3] The outer lip is nearly straight vertically in line with the columella and the aperture is narrow. The shell has 5-6 columellar folds visible through the aperture and 5-6 whorls on the spire as seen in specimen photos.[4][5]
Live Snail
The live snail residing inside of the shell utilizes a radula to acquire prey.[6] I. conovula uses lens eyes.[7]
Distribution and Habitat
This marine species occurs off Vanikoro, Solomon Islands; off Hawaii, Mauritius and Northern Australia. I. conovula is a marine benthic snail that is typically found in sand no deeper than 10 feet below the surface.[8]