Strigatella
Strigatella is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Marginellidae, the marginellas. They are commonly known as “margin shells” and are popular among seashell collectors.
Description
The shells of Strigatella are characterized by their smooth, glossy surface and their distinctive elongated, oval shape. They often have a wide aperture with a thickened lip. The shell color can vary greatly, ranging from white and cream to shades of orange, brown, and even purple. Some species have intricate patterns or markings on their shells.
Distribution and Habitat
Strigatella species are found in warm tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They typically inhabit sandy bottoms, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. They are often found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to several hundred meters.
Biology
Strigatella are carnivorous snails that feed primarily on other mollusks. They use a radula, a rasping tongue-like structure, to drill holes in their prey's shells and extract their flesh. Like many other marginellas, Strigatella species are thought to be oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. However, little is known about their reproductive biology.
Notable Species
There are numerous species within the genus Strigatella, some of the most well-known include:
- Strigatella aurantia
- Strigatella babylonica
- Strigatella cinerea
- Strigatella flexuosa
- Strigatella nebula