Vexillum diutenerum

Vexillum diutenerum
Shell of Vexillum diutenerum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Subclass:	Caenogastropoda
Order:	Neogastropoda
Superfamily:	Turbinelloidea
Family:	Costellariidae
Genus:	Vexillum
Species:	V. diutenerum
Binomial name
Vexillum diutenerum (Hervier, 1897)
Synonyms [1]
Mitra (Pusia) diuteneraHervier, 1897 (original combination) Mitra erudasensu Dall MS J. Cate, 1963 Vexillum (Pusia) diutenerum(Hervier, 1897)

Vexillum diutenerum is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Costellariidae, the ribbed miters. ^[1] It was first described by French malacologist Joseph Hervier in 1897 based on specimens from New Caledonia. ^[2]

Description

The shell of Vexillum diutenerum is slender and fusiform, with an average length of about 15 mm. It is characterized by fine axial ribs and spiral grooves, giving it a ribbed appearance. The coloration varies from light brown to reddish with lighter bands or markings. The aperture is narrow and elongate, and the outer lip is slightly thickened.

Distribution

This marine species is found in the western Pacific Ocean. Its known distribution includes:

• Waters off Lifou Island, New Caledonia ^[2]
• Off the Philippines, where it has been collected at depths of around 80 metres by dredging operations ^[3]
• Reported from other localities in Melanesia, although specific records are limited.

Taxonomy

Vexillum diutenerum was originally described as Mitra (Pusia) diutenera by Hervier in 1897. It was later placed in the genus Vexillum under the subgenus Pusia, based on shell morphology and radular characteristics. Some historical confusion exists due to misidentification with related species like Mitra eruda in unpublished manuscripts by Dall. ^[3]

Ecology

Like other members of the Costellariidae, Vexillum diutenerum is likely carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates. It inhabits sandy or rubble substrates at moderate depths. Detailed ecological studies on this species are lacking.

References

1. "Vexillum diutenerum (Hervier, 1897)". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
2. Hervier, J. (1898). "Descriptions d'espèces nouvelles de Mollusques provenant de l'Archipel de la Nouvelle-Calédonie". Journal de Conchyliologie. 45: 165–195, 249–266. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
3. Cate, J.M. (1963). "Revision of Dall's Hawaiian mitrids with descriptions of three new species (Mollusca: Gastropoda)". The Veliger. 6 (1): 23–43. Retrieved 26 July 2025.

External links

• Hervier, J. 1898. Descriptions d'espèces nouvelles de Mollusques provenant de l'Archipel de la Nouvelle-Calédonie. Journal de Conchyliologie 45: 165–195, 249–266, pls 7–8 This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
• Cate, J.M. (1963). Revision of Dall's Hawaiian mitrids with descriptions of three new species (Mollusca: Gastropoda). The Veliger. 6(1): 23–43, pls 5–8