The Wavy Volute – Amoria undulata is a species of sea snail belonging to the family Volutidae, commonly known as volutes. This marine gastropod exhibits a distinctive wavy pattern on its shell, a characteristic that sets it apart from other members of its genus. It is a relatively common and widely distributed species, found throughout various coastal regions.
Description & Characteristics
The Amoria undulata shell is typically oval-shaped, reaching a maximum size of around 70 millimeters. It displays a distinctive undulating pattern, with a series of prominent, wavy ridges running along its length. The color of the shell varies, but it often presents shades of cream, brown, or orange, with dark brown or black markings interspersed throughout. The aperture of the shell, the opening through which the snail extends its body, is relatively narrow and elongated, with a distinct lip that is often thickened and slightly flared. The spire of the shell, the pointed top portion, is relatively low and often has a smooth surface.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Amoria undulata is an inhabitant of the neritic zone, a marine environment that extends from the intertidal zone to the edge of the continental shelf at a depth of about 200 meters. This species prefers muddy grounds and sandbanks, often found in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones. It is particularly common in areas where there is a high concentration of sediment and a moderate amount of water flow.
Taxonomy
The species Amoria undulata is classified as follows:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Order: Neogastropoda
- Family: Volutidae
- Genus: Amoria
- Species: Amoria undulata
Feeding
The Amoria undulata is a carnivorous predator, primarily feeding on other marine snails. It uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure covered with teeth, to rasp and scrape at its prey’s shell. Once it has gained entry, the Amoria undulata uses its proboscis, a long, muscular extension, to suck out the soft body of its prey.
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