Zonaria angelicae is a species of sea snail, a cowry, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries.
Taxonomy
The species was originally described by P.W. Clover in 1974 under the name Cypraea angelicae. It has since been reclassified into the genus Zonaria. Its accepted scientific name is Zonaria angelicae (Clover, 1974). The following names are recognized as synonyms:
- Cypraea angelicae Clover, 1974 (superseded combination)
- Zonaria angelicae angelicae (Clover, 1974) (subspecies, synonym of the species)
- Zonaria pyrum angelicae (Clover, 1974)
The variety Zonaria angelicae var. petiformis Lorenz & F. Huber, 1993 is no longer recognized as valid and is considered a synonym of Zonaria petitiana (Crosse, 1872).
Description
The shell of Zonaria angelicae is described as heavy and pyriform (pear-shaped), with a length ranging between approximately 17 mm and 35 mm. The shell features a cream-colored dorsum marked by patches of light brown, elevated white margins lacking lateral spots, and a solid white base with fine, evenly spaced teeth.
Distribution
This marine species occurs in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, specifically off the coasts of Senegal and Gabon in West Africa.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Order: Littorinimorpha
- Family: Cypraeidae
- Genus: Zonaria
- Species: Zonaria angelicae
References
- Clover, P.W. (1974). "A new species of Cypraea from west Africa and three new species of Marginellidae from the Indian Ocean." Journal of Conchology. 28: 213–216, pl. 8.
- Lorenz, F. (2017). Cowries. A guide to the gastropod family Cypraeidae. Volume 1, Biology and systematics. Harxheim: ConchBooks. 644 pp.
- MolluscaBase eds. (2023). Zonaria angelicae (Clover, 1974). Accessed through the World Register of Marine Species.
