Polystira

Polystira is a genus of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Turridae, part of the superfamily Conoidea. These snails are characterized by their elongated, turreted shells and a distinctive notch on the outer lip of the shell's aperture, known as the anal sinus or turrid notch. This notch is a key characteristic of the Turridae family and is associated with the exhalant siphon.

Polystira species are found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They are typically found in sandy or muddy substrates in relatively shallow waters, though some species may occur in deeper environments.

The shells of Polystira species are often white or pale in color and may feature spiral ridges or other sculptural elements. The size of the shells varies depending on the species, but they are generally medium to large in size compared to other turrid snails.

Like other members of the Turridae family, Polystira are carnivorous. They use their radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to inject venom into their prey, which typically consists of marine worms or other small invertebrates. The venom is produced by a venom gland associated with the radula.

The taxonomy of Polystira and other turrid snails is complex and subject to ongoing revision based on morphological and molecular data. The exact number of species within the genus may vary depending on the classification system used.