Biology:Waikura

Short description: Genus of gastropods

Waikura
Waikura coronata (holotype at MNHN, Paris)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Subclass:	Heterobranchia
Subcohort:	Panpulmonata
Superfamily:	Pyramidelloidea
Family:	Pyramidellidae
Genus:	Waikura Marwick, 1931
Type species
† Waikura torques Marwick, 1931

Waikura is a genus of very small sea snails, pyramidellid gastropod mollusks, or micromollusks. This genus is currently placed in the family Pyramidellidae.

Shell description

The original description by Marwick (1931) says that the genus consists of small shells that are subconical with a telescopic spire. The protoconch is heterostrophic and immersed. The sculpture consists of tubercles on the shoulders that extends axially for a short distance. There are no spiral sculpture except on the subsutural border. The surface is smooth and polished. The aperture is subrhombic with a highly sinuous outer lip that is convex below. Columella has a week tooth at the top.

Life habits

Little is known about the biology of the members of this genus. As is true of most members of the Pyramidellidae sensu lato, they are probably ectoparasites.

Species

Species within the genus Waikura include:

• † Waikura circumdata Laws, 1941
• † Waikura clivosa Marwick, 1931
• Waikura coronata Peñas & Rolán, 2017
• † Waikura davidi Marwick, 1943
• † Waikura elevata P. A. Maxwell, 1988
• † Waikura finlayi Laws, 1941
• † Waikura hawera Laws, 1941
• † Waikura lawsi Robba, 2013
• † Waikura singularis Lozouet, 1998
• † Waikura teres Marwick, 1965
• † Waikura torques Marwick, 1931 (Type species)

Taxon inquirendum

• Waikura chabanesi (de Folin, 1870)

References

• Marwick, J. (1931). "The Tertiary Mollusca of the Gisborne District.". Palaeontological Bulletin 13: 1–177 + 18 pl. 

Wikidata ☰ Q16993465 entry

de:Pyramidelloidea