Volvarina avena

, Volvarina avena

Volvarina avena is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Marginellidae, the margin shells. This species is known for its distinctive features and its intriguing habitat preferences.

Description & Characteristics

Volvarina avena exhibits a characteristically small, ovate, and smooth shell. Its color varies from white to pale yellowish-brown, sometimes adorned with subtle brown markings. The maximum size of this snail typically reaches around 6 mm in length, making it a miniature marvel in the marine world.

Habitat and Occurrence

Volvarina avena is predominantly found in shallow coastal waters. Its distribution spans a range of marine zones, including the intertidal and subtidal regions. This snail is particularly common in sandy or muddy habitats, often residing near seaweed or seagrass. The species is known to be abundant in the Mediterranean Sea, a region renowned for its rich marine biodiversity.

Taxonomy

Volvarina avena is classified within the Class Gastropoda, which encompasses a vast array of snails and slugs. This class belongs to the Order Neogastropoda, a group characterized by their predatory habits and specialized feeding mechanisms. Within this order, Volvarina avena is further grouped within the Family Marginellidae, a family known for their distinctive shell shapes and intricate ornamentation.

Feeding

Volvarina avena, like many other margin shells, is a carnivore. Its diet consists primarily of smaller marine organisms, including other mollusks and worms. Its feeding strategy involves using its radula, a specialized tongue-like structure studded with tiny teeth, to scrape and consume prey.

Associated Species

Image References

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