Daphnella dilecta also known as the Brown Striped Raphitoma is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Raphitomidae.[1]

Daphnella dilecta
Shell of Daphnella dilecta (specimen at MNHN, Paris)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Neogastropoda
Superfamily: Conoidea
Family: Raphitomidae
Genus: Daphnella
Species:
D. dilecta
Binomial name
Daphnella dilecta
Sarasúa, 1992
Synonyms[1]
  • Daphnella (Daphnella) elegantissima Espinosa & Fernández-Garcés, 1990(invalid; not Schepman, 1913)
  • Daphnella elegantissima Espinosa & Fernández-Garcés, 1990

Description

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The length of the shell attains 15 mm. The shell of this snail is elongated and tapers towards both ends. The color of the shell varies from white to light brown, with a series of brown spiral stripes. This snail is known for its distinct pattern and intricate design on the outer shell.[1] the shell pattern of Daphnella dilecta is unique and no two organisms of this species will have the same shell pattern.

Distribution

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D. dilecta can be found in Caribbean waters, off the northwestern coast of Cuba.[2] and the Grenadines.

Diet

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Daphnella Dilecta is a carnivorous snail that feeds on small marine invertebrates, including other snails, bivalves, and crustaceans. It uses its long siphon to detect prey, and then extends its proboscis to capture and consume its food.

Behavior

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Daphnella Dilecta is an active snail that moves along the ocean floor using its muscular foot. It is a nocturnal snail that feeds at night and hides during the day. This snail is primarily solitary, but it can sometimes be found in small groups. It is also known to burrow in the sand or hide under rocks to avoid predators.

Mating

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Daphnella Dilecta is a hermaphrodite, meaning it has both male and female reproductive organs. This snail reproduces sexually, and mating occurs when two snails come into contact with each other. After mating, the snails lay eggs that hatch into planktonic larvae.

References

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  1. ^ a b Daphnella dilecta Sarasúa, 1992. Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 5 April 2010.
  2. ^ Tunnell, John W., Jr., Felder, Darryl L., & Earle, Sylvia A., eds. Gulf of Mexico Origin, Waters, and Biota, Volume 1: Biodiversity. Texas A&M University Press, 2009. 667.
  • Espinosa J. & Fernández-Garcés R. (1990). El género Daphnella (Mollusca: Neogastropoda) en Cuba. Descripción de nuevas especies. Poeyana. 396: 1-16.
  • Sarasúa, H. (1992) Especie nueva en Daphnellinae (Gastropoda: Turridae). Publicações Ocasionais da Sociedade Portuguesa de Malacologia, 16, 37–38.
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  • Rosenberg, G.; Moretzsohn, F.; García, E. F. (2009). Gastropoda (Mollusca) of the Gulf of Mexico, Pp. 579–699 in: Felder, D.L. and D.K. Camp (eds.), Gulf of Mexico–Origins, Waters, and Biota. Texas A&M Press, College Station, Texas
  • Tucker, J.K. (2004). "Catalog of recent and fossil turrids (Mollusca: Gastropoda)" (PDF). Zootaxa. 682: 1–1295.