Biology:Lyria michardi

Short description: Species of gastropod

Lyria michardi
Shell of Lyria michardi (holotype at MNHN, Paris)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
(unranked):	clade Caenogastropoda clade Hypsogastropoda clade Neogastropoda
Superfamily:	Muricoidea
Family:	Volutidae
Subfamily:	Volutinae
Genus:	Lyria
Species:	L. michardi
Binomial name
Lyria michardi Bail, 2009
Synonyms
Lyria (Indolyria) michardi Bail, 2009· accepted, alternate representation

Lyria michardi is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Volutidae, the volutes.

Description

Lyria michardi is a large species, reaching up to 50 mm in length. The shell is a glossy white with brown spiral bands. The aperture is large and oval. The spire is high and conical. The siphonal canal is long and slender.

Lyria michardi is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from Madagascar to the Philippines. It is a deep-water species, living at depths of 100 to 500 m.

The diet of Lyria michardi is not well known, but it is thought to eat other gastropods. It is a predatory snail, and uses its long siphonal canal to suck up its prey.

Lyria michardi is a prized shell among collectors. It is a rare and beautiful species, and can fetch high prices.

Here are some additional facts about Lyria michardi:

The shell is sometimes called the "Madagascar Volute" or the "Michardi Volute".

The species was first described by Bail in 2009.

The shell is thought to be threatened by overfishing.

Lyria michardi is a hermaphroditic species, meaning that each individual snail has both male and female reproductive organs.

Distribution

This marine species occurs off Southern Madagascar .

References

• Bail P. (2009). A new species of Lyria (Gastropoda) from the southwestern coast of Madagascar. Novapex 10(2): 65-67

Wikidata ☰ Q6709939 entry