Definition
Odostomia meijeri is a species of small marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Pyramidellidae, commonly referred to as pyrams and their allies.
Overview
-
Taxonomic classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Superfamily: Pyramidelloidea
- Family: Pyramidellidae
- Genus: Odostomia
- Species: O. meijeri
-
Authority: The species was formally described by van Aartsen, Gittenberger & Goud in 1998.
-
Distribution: Recorded occurrences of O. meijeri are limited to marine waters of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, particularly around the coasts of the Netherlands and adjacent North Sea regions. Precise range data are sparse, and further surveys may extend its known distribution.
-
Habitat: Like other members of the genus, it inhabits subtidal zones, typically on soft substrates where it can parasitize other invertebrates, primarily annelids and bivalves.
Etymology / Origin
The specific epithet “meijeri” is a patronym honoring a person with the surname Meijer, likely a contributor to malacological research or a collector associated with the discovery of the species. The exact individual referenced is not detailed in the original description.
Characteristics
- Shell morphology: O. meijeri possesses a small, elongate-conical shell typical of Odostomia species, with a length generally ranging between 2 mm and 4 mm. The whorls are fine‑striated and the aperture is oval with a thin outer lip.
- Operculum: As with other pyramidellids, an operculum is present but diminutive.
- Feeding: Members of Pyramidellidae are ectoparasites; O. meijeri is presumed to feed using a proboscis to extract fluids from host organisms, though specific host associations have not been documented.
Related Topics
- Odostomia – the genus encompassing a large number of small, parasitic sea snails.
- Pyramidellidae – the family characterized by parasitic marine gastropods with heterostrophic protoconchs.
- Marine parasitism – ecological interactions where gastropods like O. meijeri obtain nutrients from host species.
- North Sea malacofauna – the assemblage of mollusk species inhabiting the North Sea, providing biogeographic context for O. meijeri.
Note: Detailed morphological measurements, ecological specifics, and comprehensive distribution records for Odostomia meijeri are limited in the accessible literature. Accurate information is not confirmed for certain aspects such as exact host species and full geographic range.