Imbricariopsis conovula
| Imbricariopsis conovula | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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 | |
| |
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]
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]
Life Habits
Reproduction
I. conovula reproduces sexually.[7]
Diet
This species is a predator, which primarily feeds on Aspidosiphon (Paraspidosiphon) tenuis and Apionsoma, types of marine worms.[6]
Locomotion
I. conovula moves by mucus mediated gliding.[8]
References
- ↑ "Egg Miter, Imbricariopsis conovula". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
- ↑ Imbricariopsis conovula (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833). Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 13 December 2018.
- ↑ "MITRIDAE, Imbricariopsis conovula f. virgo | Conchology". www.conchology.be. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
- ↑ "Egg Miter, Imbricariopsis conovula". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
- ↑ "Imbricariopsis conovula". malacopics.nl. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
- 1 2 Taylor, J. D. (1989). The diet of coral-reef Mitridae (Gastropoda) from Guam; with a review of other species of the family. Journal of Natural History, 23(1), 261–278. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222938900770141
- 1 2 "Imbricariopsis conovula (Quoy & Gaimard 1833) - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
- 1 2 "Imbricariopsis conovula | Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS)". obis.org. Retrieved 2026-06-11.
External links
- Quoy J.R.C. & Gaimard J.P. (1832-1835). Voyage de découvertes de l'"Astrolabe" exécuté par ordre du Roi, pendant les années 1826-1829, sous le commandement de M. J. Dumont d'Urville. Zoologie. 1: i-l, 1–264; 2(1): 1-321 [1832]; 2(2): 321-686 [1833]; 3(1): 1-366 [1834]; 3(2): 367-954 [1835]; Atlas (Mollusques): pls 1–93 [1833]. Paris: Tastu.
- Fedosov A., Puillandre N., Herrmann M., Kantor Yu., Oliverio M., Dgebuadze P., Modica M.V. & Bouchet P. (2018). The collapse of Mitra: molecular systematics and morphology of the Mitridae (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 183(2): 253-337