Levipyrgulina facts for kids

Levipyrgulina is a group of very tiny sea snails. These snails are also known as micromollusks because they are so small. They belong to a larger family of snails called Pyramidellidae. Scientists place Levipyrgulina in a smaller group called the Chrysallidinae subfamily.

What are Levipyrgulina?

Levipyrgulina is a genus of small mollusks. A genus is a group of closely related living things. These snails are a type of gastropod, which means they are like snails and slugs that move on a "stomach-foot." They live in the ocean.

Shell Features

The snails in the Levipyrgulina genus have unique shells. These shells help scientists identify them. The first detailed description of this genus and its main species was made by a scientist named Laws in 1941. Studying the shell's shape, size, and patterns helps us understand these tiny creatures better.

How They Live

Not much is known about the daily lives of Levipyrgulina snails. Scientists are still learning about their habits. However, most snails in the larger Pyramidellidae family are known to be ectoparasites. This means they live on the outside of other animals, like other mollusks or worms, and feed on them. They might use a special tube to suck fluids from their hosts.

Species of Levipyrgulina

Currently, two species are known within the Levipyrgulina genus. Both were first described by Laws in 1941.

• Levipyrgulina sulcata Laws, 1941
  • This is the type species for the genus. A type species is like the main example that helps define the whole group. The original specimen (called a Holotype) is kept at the Auckland Museum. Its special number is AM71008.
• Levipyrgulina marginata Laws, 1941