Volva (gastropod)

The term "Volva" in the context of gastropods refers to a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Ovulidae, the ovulids, cowry allies or false cowries. These snails are characterized by their elongated, often glossy shells, which can be smooth or have subtle surface features. The mantle of the living animal often covers part or all of the shell, giving it a distinct appearance.

Volva snails are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, often associated with gorgonians (sea fans) or other soft corals. They are often specialized predators, feeding on the tissues of these corals.

The shells of Volva are of interest to collectors due to their beauty and relative rarity in some species. Identification to the species level can be challenging, requiring careful examination of shell morphology and, in some cases, anatomical features of the animal.

The taxonomy of Volva, like that of many gastropod groups, has been subject to revision over time, with some species being moved to other genera within the Ovulidae family or related families based on new molecular and morphological data.