Asperdaphne vestalis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asperdaphne vestalis |
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| Original image of a shell of Asperdaphne vestalis | |
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Daphnella vestalis Hedley, 1903 |
Asperdaphne vestalis is a type of sea snail. It is a marine (ocean-living) gastropod mollusk. This means it belongs to a large group of animals that includes snails and slugs. It is part of the family called Raphitomidae.
What is Asperdaphne vestalis?
This sea snail has a shell that is usually about 8 millimeters (about 0.3 inches) long. Its widest part, or diameter, is about 3.75 millimeters.
Shell Features
The shell of Asperdaphne vestalis is shaped like an oval. It is quite strong and has a distinct angle near the top, called the "shoulder." The bottom part of the shell is a bit narrower. The shell is typically white in color.
It has five main whorls. Whorls are the spiral turns that make up the snail's shell. On top of these, there are two smaller whorls called the protoconch. This is the very first part of the shell that formed when the snail was a tiny larva. The protoconch is smooth.
The shell also has interesting patterns. It has rounded lines that spiral around it, like threads. These lines cross over other lines that run lengthwise along the shell. This crossing creates small bumps or "knots" on the shell's surface. The opening of the shell, called the aperture, is wide. The edge of this opening, known as the outer lip, is smooth and simple.
Where Does It Live?
Asperdaphne vestalis lives in the ocean waters around Australia. It is an endemic species, which means it is found only in this region and nowhere else in the world. You can find this sea snail off the coasts of New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria.
