Harpa

The genus Harpa encompasses a group of medium-sized to large marine snails, belonging to the family Harpidae within the order Neogastropoda. These snails, often referred to as “harp shells” due to their distinctive, harp-like shell pattern, exhibit a wide range of colors and intricate patterns, making them popular among shell collectors. They are carnivorous, feeding primarily on other mollusks.

Lesser Harp – Harpa amouretta

Common Names

Harpa snails are commonly known as "harp shells," a name that accurately reflects the distinctive, lyre-shaped pattern of ridges and grooves that adorn their shells. The specific common names for individual species within the genus often refer to their color or distinctive markings, such as the "Red Harp Shell" (Harpa amouretta) and the "Spotted Harp Shell" (Harpa crenata).

Characteristics

Harpa species share several key characteristics, including:

  • Shell: The shell is typically elongated and spindle-shaped, with a prominent, sharp spire and a wide aperture. The shell surface is adorned with prominent, longitudinal ridges (costae) separated by deep grooves, giving it a distinctive harp-like appearance. The color and pattern of the shell vary greatly between species, ranging from white and cream to yellow, orange, and brown, often with spots, bands, or stripes.
  • Operculum: The operculum, a small, horny plate that covers the aperture when the snail retracts, is typically thin and horny.
  • Foot: The foot, the muscular organ used for locomotion, is large and flattened, with a distinct, anterior groove. The foot is often brightly colored, contributing to the overall beauty of the animal.
  • Proboscis: Like other Neogastropods, Harpa snails possess a long, extensible proboscis that they use to reach and capture prey.

Environments

Harpa snails are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow to moderately deep waters. They are often found in areas with strong currents, where they can easily ambush their prey.

References

For further information on Harpa snails, consult the following reliable references: