Cyllene (gastropod)

Lore & Background

The genus Cyllene encompasses a number of species, both extant and fossil, distributed across various regions. The shell morphology is consistent within the genus: an ovate form with a short, acute spire and a distinctly canaliculated suture. The columella is concave and may be smooth or finely grooved, while the outer lip is characterized by a slight sinus at the forepart, an emarginate posterior edge, and internal grooves. The operculum is acute and ovate.

Reader's Guide

Cyllene holds significance within the Nassariidae family as a well-defined genus with a clear set of shell characteristics. The genus includes both living species and fossil taxa, such as †Cyllene angsanana, †Cyllene desnoyersi, and †Cyllene pretiosa, indicating a long evolutionary history. The species list includes names like Cyllene cernohorskyi, Cyllene chelonia, Cyllene concinna, Cyllene fuscata, Cyllene grayi, Cyllene lactea, Cyllene lamarcki, Cyllene lugubris, Cyllene orientalis, Cyllene owenii, Cyllene parvula, Cyllene pulchella, Cyllene royana, Cyllene rubrolineata, Cyllene sibogae, Cyllene sulcata, and Cyllene unimaculata. Several names have been brought into synonymy, reflecting taxonomic revisions over time. The genus has been studied in works such as those by Lorenz (2023) and Cernohorsky (1984), and its phylogenetic position within the Nassariidae has been revisited in molecular studies. The presence of numerous fossil species underscores its role in understanding the paleontological record of marine gastropods.

Did You Know?

• Cyllene is a genus in the family Nassariidae, commonly known as nassa mud snails or dog whelks.
• The outer lip of Cyllene has a slight sinus at the forepart and is grooved internally.
• The genus includes both extant species and fossil taxa such as †Cyllene desnoyersi.