Kingdom Animalia Class Gastropoda Family Volutomitridae Scientific name Microvoluta royana | Phylum Mollusca Superfamily Muricoidea Genus Microvoluta Rank Species | |
Microvoluta royana is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Volutomitridae.
Contents
Description
Shell with spire straight sided or slightly convex, whorls rounded, aperture about one-third of total shell length. Sculptured with fine spiral grooves over the whole surface, 20-25 on body whorl. Axial sculpture of growth striae, or poorly defined axial ribs. Columella with four strong plaits, the two uppermost stronger. Outer lip constricted towards base, sinuous in profile, usually lirate deep within aperture. Colour whitish to fawn, with irregular axial zigzag streaks and brown blotches.
Distribution
This species is endemic to Australia; Fraser Island, Queensland, to Lakes Entrance, Victoria.
Size
The shell of this species is up to 12 mm in length.
Habitat
Known from 14-143 metres. Uncommon.
Comparison
This species is similar to M. australis, but differs by having the aperture about one-third of shell length, more prominent spiral sculpture, and the outer lip constricted at the base.