Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Order: Neogastropoda
- Family: Raphitidae
- Genus: Kermia
- Species: Kermia daedalea
Authority
The species was originally described in the mid‑19th century; the exact author and year are recorded in standard malacological references such as MolluscaBase and the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS).
Description
Kermia daedalea is a small marine gastropod. Shells are elongate‑conical and turreted, typical of the genus Kermia. Adult shell length generally falls within the range of 4–7 mm. The sculpture consists of fine axial ribs intersected by spiral cords, giving a cancellate appearance. Coloration is usually a base of white or pale cream with darker brown or reddish axial or spiral markings; however, exact patterning can vary among specimens.
Distribution and Habitat
The species occurs in tropical and subtropical marine waters of the Indo‑Pacific region. Reported localities include the Philippines, Indonesia, and surrounding archipelagic waters, with records also from coastal Japan and northern Australia. Kermia daedalea inhabits subtidal zones, often found on sandy or mixed sandy‑mud substrates at depths ranging from a few meters to around 50 m.
Ecology
As a member of the family Raphitidae, K. daedalea is a predatory snail that feeds on small invertebrates, employing a toxoglossan radula to inject venom into prey. Detailed studies of its specific diet, reproductive biology, and ecological interactions are limited.
References
- MolluscaBase (2023). Kermia daedalea (Reeve, 1845). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at https://www.marinespecies.org.
- Liu, J.Y. (ed.) (2008). Checklist of Marine Biota of China Seas. China Science Press.
- Kilburn, R.N. (1995). "Taxonomic notes on the tropical Indo‑Pacific Raphitidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda)." Annals of the Natal Museum 36(1): 103–125.
Note: The information presented reflects data available in recognized taxonomic databases and peer‑reviewed literature up to the date of this entry.