Miter Shells of the Mitridae Family

Three Miter Shells of the Mitridae Family can be found in this website:

Phylogeny: Miter Shells of the Mitridae Family are gastropod mollusks in the order Neogastropoda. Neogastropods are characterized by having a long siphon canal, a well-developed siphon notch, and a specialized radula. Many species in this order have a narrow aperture. Neogastropods are primarily marine snails and most of the well-known shell families are in this order. The superfamily Mitroidea is one of seven superfamilies within this order. The superfamily Mitroidea is comprised of three families: Charitonoronidae, Pyramimitridae, and Mitridae. The Mitridae Family is large and consists of seven subfamilies, thirty-seven genera, and, depending on the source, between three hundred eighty and four hundred fifty-five species.

Description: Miter Shells are solid, small to large-sized, shells. They have a fusiform (spindle-like) shape. These shells consist of five to eight whorls. They have a high and pointed spire. They derive their name from their resemblance to ecclesiastical headgear. Their aperture is narrow and is between one quarter and one-half the shells length. The outer lip is often toothed. The columella has folds or pleats. The siphonal canal is usually very short. Miter Shells may be smooth or have axial, cancellate or spiral ridges. Miter Shells from the Indo-Pacific are usually very colorful while those of the Eastern Pacific and Western Atlantic are drab. Some miters, but not all, have a periostracum. Similarly, some, but not all, have an operculum. The largest species in this family reach 18 cm (7 inches) in length.

Habitat and Distribution: Miter Shells may be found on rocks, coral, or mud and sand substrates. They are often crawling just under the surface of the sand or under rocks on the sand. They live in the intertidal zone, and at depths up to 300 m (1,000 feet). They are found worldwide in subtropical and tropical seas. At least thirteen species from the Mitridae Family are found in Mexican waters.

Natural History: Miter Shells are predatory carnivores that feed primarily on sipunculid worms (peanut worms). They also possibly prey on shelled mollusks. In turn they are preyed upon by crabs, fish, and gastropods. They are gonochoric and reproduce sexually with internal fertilization. The eggs are laid in tall oblong protective capsules, which are attached to the substrate. Colorful species in this family are sought by shell collectors.