Volvarina

Volvarina is a genus of small, marine snails in the family Marginellidae, the marginellas. These snails are known for their colorful shells, which are often highly polished and glossy. They are found in a variety of habitats, from shallow water to the deep sea, and are generally carnivorous, preying on other small invertebrates.

Volvarina zonata

Volvarina avena

Common Names

Members of this genus are often referred to as "marginellas," "margin shells," or "volutes," but these terms are also used for other genera in the Marginellidae family. More specific common names may be given to individual species, such as the "scarlet marginella" (Volvarina rubra).

Characteristics

Volvarina snails have a distinctive shell shape, usually characterized by:

  • A small, globular protoconch (the first whorl of the shell)
  • A smooth, highly polished surface
  • A relatively short spire (the pointed top of the shell)
  • A wide, rounded aperture (the opening of the shell)
  • A prominent siphonal canal (a tube-like extension of the aperture)

The shell colors and patterns can vary greatly between species and even within a single species. Some are plain, while others exhibit intricate designs, stripes, or spots. The shell surface can be glossy or have a matte finish.

Environment

Volvarina snails are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Shallow water reefs
  • Seagrass beds
  • Sandy bottoms
  • Deep-sea trenches

They are often found buried in the substrate or hiding under rocks or coral. Some species may be found attached to algae or other marine organisms.

References

For more information on Volvarina snails, please refer to the following sources: