Bulloidea

Bulloidea is a superfamily of sea snails and bubble snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the order Cephalaspidea (or sometimes classified within other heterobranch groups depending on the taxonomic source). They are part of the larger clade known informally as the "bubble snails" or "headshield slugs".

Characteristics

Snails in the superfamily Bulloidea are typically characterized by thin, fragile, globose shells, often with a reduced spire. The shell may be entirely or partially enveloped by the mantle. They lack an operculum. Many species within this group possess a gizzard containing plates for crushing food items. The headshield is well developed, used for burrowing into the substrate.

Habitat and Distribution

Bulloidea species are found in a variety of marine habitats, ranging from shallow intertidal zones to deeper subtidal areas. They are globally distributed, occurring in tropical, temperate, and polar regions. They can often be found in sandy or muddy substrates where they burrow.

Diet

Most Bulloidea are carnivorous or scavengers, feeding on a variety of organisms including polychaete worms, other small invertebrates, and detritus. The internal gizzard plates aid in the processing of hard-bodied prey.

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of Bulloidea has undergone several revisions. It traditionally included families such as Bullidae. Modern classifications, relying on molecular data, may include a different grouping of families within the superfamily or reassign genera to different families. The exact composition of families included within Bulloidea can vary depending on the taxonomic database consulted.