| Mitridae | |
|---|---|
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| Shells of a group of different species of mitrids | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
| Order: | Neogastropoda |
| Superfamily: | Mitroidea |
| Family: | Mitridae Swainson, 1831 |
| Genera | |
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See text | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Mitridae, known as mitres or mitre shells, are a taxonomic family of sea snails, widely distributed marine gastropod molluscs in the clade Mitroidea.[1]
Both the Latin name and the common name are taken from the item of ecclesiastical headgear, the mitre or miter, used in reference to the elongated and slender shape of the shells.
These shells often exhibit intricate and colorful patterns, ranging from intricate spirals to bold geometric designs. The aperture of the shell is typically narrow, and the columella, the central axis of the shell, may be smooth or possess ridges.
The dentition of radula in the Mitroidea is rachiglossate, with well-developed central and lateral teeth, both comb-like.
Members of this family are carnivorous predators.[2] Their elongated proboscis aids in reaching and capturing prey (worms, small crustaceans, and other molluscs).They play a role in enriching marine ecosystems by contributing to the regulation of prey populations.
- ^ a b MolluscaBase (2024). "Mitridae Swainson, 1831". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ Ponder, Winston Frank; Lindberg, David R.; Ponder, Juliet Mary (2019). Biology and Evolution of the Mollusca. CRC Press. p. 1934. ISBN 978-1-351-11564-3.