Eulima diaphana is a species of small marine gastropod mollusk in the family Eulimidae. It belongs to the genus Eulima, which comprises numerous slender, elongate-shelled snails that are typically ectoparasitic or commensal on echinoderms such as sea stars and sea urchins.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Clade: Caenogastropoda
- Superfamily: Eulimoidea
- Family: Eulimidae
- Genus: Eulima
- Species: E. diaphana
The authority for the species is attributed to A. Adams, who described it in 1861.
Description
The shell of Eulima diaphana is typically slender, smooth, and glossy, with a high spire and a narrow aperture. As implied by the specific epithet “diaphana,” the shell is often semi‑transparent or lightly colored, ranging from pale amber to near‑colorless. Adult shells usually attain lengths of 5–10 mm, though size can vary with environmental conditions.
Distribution and Habitat
Eulima diaphana is recorded from marine waters in the Indo‑Pacific region, including coastal areas of Japan, the Philippines, and surrounding islands. It inhabits subtidal zones, often found on or near its echinoderm hosts on sandy or muddy substrates at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 100 m.
Ecology
Members of the family Eulimidae are known for their parasitic or commensal relationships with echinoderms. E. diaphana is presumed to feed by inserting a proboscis into the body wall or coelomic cavity of its host, extracting bodily fluids. Detailed studies specific to the host preferences of E. diaphana are limited, and further research may clarify its ecological role.
Conservation Status
There is currently no assessment of Eulima diaphana on the IUCN Red List. The species does not appear to be under significant threat, but data on population trends are insufficient.
References
- Adams, A. (1861). Descriptions of new species of Eulima. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London.
- Warén, A. (1984). A generic revision of the family Eulimidae (Gastropoda, Prosobranchia). Journal of Molluscan Studies, 50(1), 1–96.
- World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). Eulima diaphana A. Adams, 1861. Accessed 2026.
Note: The information presented reflects the current state of scientific literature and taxonomic databases as of 2026.