Ribbed slipper shell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maoricrypta costata |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Caenogastropoda
clade Hypsogastropoda clade Littorinimorpha |
| Superfamily: |
Calyptraeoidea
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| Family: |
Calyptraeidae
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| Genus: |
Maoricrypta
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| Species: |
M. costata
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| Binomial name | |
| Maoricrypta costata (Sowerby, 1824)
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| Synonyms | |
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Crepidula costata Sowerby, 1824 |
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The ribbed slipper shell, also known as Maoricrypta costata, is a type of medium-sized sea snail. It is a marine gastropod mollusc that lives in the ocean. This interesting snail belongs to the family Calyptraeidae. You can find these snails along the east coast of the North Island in New Zealand.
About the Ribbed Slipper Shell
The ribbed slipper shell is a kind of snail that lives in the ocean. It gets its name because its shell looks a bit like a slipper or a small boat. The shell also has special ridges, or "ribs," on its surface. These snails are part of a large group of animals called molluscs. Molluscs include other well-known creatures like clams, oysters, and octopuses.
What It Looks Like
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The shell of the ribbed slipper shell is usually oval-shaped. It has a unique flat, shelf-like structure inside. This inner shelf helps the snail attach itself firmly to rocks or other hard surfaces. The outside of the shell has strong, wavy ridges. These ridges are what give it the "ribbed" part of its name. The color of the shell can be different shades. It often blends in with its surroundings.
Where It Lives
The ribbed slipper shell lives in the intertidal zone. This is the area of the seashore that is covered by water at high tide and exposed to the air at low tide. These snails are found specifically along the east coast of the North Island in New Zealand. They like to live on rocks, shells, or other hard surfaces in this area. Being able to attach firmly helps them stay safe from waves and currents.
Its Family Tree
The ribbed slipper shell is part of the gastropod class. This class includes all snails and slugs. It belongs to the family Calyptraeidae. This family is known for its "slipper shells" or "cup-and-saucer shells." These names come from the unique shapes of their shells. The scientific name, Maoricrypta costata, was given by Sowerby in 1824.
