| Herpetopoma benthicola | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Superfamily: | Seguenzioidea |
| Family: | Chilodontaidae |
| Genus: | Herpetopoma |
| Species: | H. benthicola |
| Binomial name | |
| Herpetopoma benthicola (Powell, 1937) | |
Herpetopoma benthicola is a species of small marine gastropod mollusc in the family Chilodontaidae. Endemic to the marine waters of New Zealand, it inhabits benthic environments at continental shelf depths. It was first formally described by the New Zealand malacologist A. W. B. Powell in 1937. [1]
H. benthicola belongs to the clade Vetigastropoda within the class Gastropoda. The genus Herpetopoma is part of the family Chilodontaidae, which comprises small, top-shaped snails characterised by sculptured shells and nacreous interiors. The taxonomic position of the species has been stable since its original description, and it is listed in multiple global taxonomic databases, including the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), and the New Zealand Organisms Register (NZOR). [2] [3]
Herpetopoma benthicola has a small, solid, conical shell that typically reaches a height of approximately 3.5 mm. [1] The shell is trochoidal in shape, with whorls that are adorned by numerous fine spiral cords and axial threads. Colouration may vary from pale cream to light brown, occasionally with reddish or pinkish tinges. The shell is nacreous beneath a thin outer layer, giving it an iridescent sheen when worn. The aperture is rounded with a continuous peristome, and the outer lip is finely lirate within. The operculum is multispiral and corneous.
The morphology of the shell, including its sculpture and aperture features, is typical of the genus Herpetopoma, which is known for intricate shell ornamentation and small size.
This species is endemic to New Zealand and is known primarily from the North and South Islands' coastal and shelf zones. Specimens have been collected from subtidal environments, typically associated with rocky substrates, shell gravel, and coral rubble at depths ranging from 20 to 200 metres. [4] [5]
The species' range is confined to temperate marine waters and appears to favour clean, well-oxygenated benthic zones where it may graze on microalgae or biofilm.
Like many vetigastropods, H. benthicola is a slow-moving grazer that feeds primarily on algae, diatoms, and organic detritus found on hard substrates. It plays a minor but ecologically relevant role in maintaining the balance of biofilm communities in benthic ecosystems. Although its precise feeding behavior has not been thoroughly studied, it is likely that this species contributes to the processing of organic material in its environment. [6]
Reproduction is presumed to be sexual and involves external fertilisation, though little is known about its larval development. Many related species exhibit planktonic larval stages, which allow for wide dispersal before settlement. [7]
Predators of H. benthicola likely include small demersal fish and crustaceans capable of cracking or crushing its shell.
As of 2025, Herpetopoma benthicola has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List. However, it is not considered threatened and is commonly found in benthic samples collected by marine research expeditions around New Zealand. Its limited range makes it of interest for studies on marine endemism and biodiversity in the Southwest Pacific. [8]