Alisimitra deforgesi is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk, belonging to the family Costellariidae, commonly known as the ribbed miters [1, 2]. This species was formally described by Fedosov, Herrmann, and Bouchet in 2017 as part of a comprehensive phylogenetic and systematic study of the Costellariidae family [1, 3, 4].
Description
While a detailed, standalone morphological description of Alisimitra deforgesi is not widely accessible outside of its original taxonomic publication, general characteristics can be inferred from its genus, Alisimitra, and the family Costellariidae.
Alisimitra species are generally characterized by an elongated, fusiform (spindle-shaped) shell with distinct axial ribs and spiral cords [3]. The shells are typically of moderate size for the family. In the original description, Alisimitra deforgesi is noted for having "contrasting spiral bands or lines," which are absent in closely related species like Alisimitra tehuaorum. This suggests a distinctive color pattern [3].
The broader family Costellariidae is known for its shells featuring prominent axial ribs crossed by spiral cords, often resulting in a cancellate or nodular sculpture. The aperture (opening) usually has folds on the columella (the central axis) [3].
The original publication by Fedosov et al. (2017) provides a full description, illustrations, and detailed morphological comparisons distinguishing A. deforgesi from other species within the genus and family [3, 4].
Distribution
Alisimitra deforgesi is a marine species found in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean [1, 3]. Its recorded distribution includes:
This wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific indicates its adaptation to the diverse and warm marine environments of this vast biogeographic region.
Habitat and Ecology
Alisimitra deforgesi is a benthic species, living on or near the seabed. Its habitat is characterized as deep water, with specimens collected from depths ranging between 540 and 580 meters [3]. This places it in the bathyal zone, a relatively deep part of the ocean, which often requires specialized sampling techniques like dredging.
The family Costellariidae comprises carnivorous marine mollusks [3]. They are known predators, typically feeding on polychaete worms and other small invertebrates. While the specific feeding habits of A. deforgesi are not explicitly detailed, it is presumed to follow a similar predatory lifestyle common to its family, using its proboscis and radular teeth to capture and consume prey. The deep-water habitat suggests it is adapted to the unique conditions and food sources available in these environments.
Taxonomy and Synonyms
Alisimitra deforgesi is classified within the following taxonomic hierarchy [1]:
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Neogastropoda
Superfamily: Turbinelloidea (or Muricoidea in some older classifications, as Costellariidae has seen reassignments)
This species was described as new to science in 2017, simultaneously with the establishment of its genus Alisimitra. Therefore, it does not have any junior synonyms from prior descriptions [1, 3]. Its specific epithet "deforgesi" likely honors a researcher or collector associated with its discovery.
World Register of Marine Species - Alisimitra deforgesi Fedosov, Herrmann & Bouchet, 2017. (n.d.). WoRMS. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from
Fedosov, A. E., Puillandre, N., Herrmann, M., Dgebuadze, P., & Bouchet, P. (2017). Phylogeny, systematics, and evolution of the family Costellariidae (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 179(3), 541–626. [This is the primary source for the description and classification of the species and genus.]
ResearchGate. (n.d.). A, phylogenetic tree illustrating relationships between major.... Retrieved May 30, 2025, from
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
