Infundibulum (gastropod)

Lore & Background

The shell of Infundibulum is conical and false-umbilicate, with an angular periphery. Its base is nearly flat or concave, and the outer surface may be smooth, costate, or granular. The outer lip is not lirate within, and the columella is inserted in the center of the axis, more or less folded above, with a straight, oblique edge that is not toothed and lacks a notch at its base.

Reader's Guide

The genus Infundibulum is significant within the family Trochidae for its distinctive shell morphology, including a false umbilicus and angular periphery. The article lists several species, such as Infundibulum concavum and Infundibulum tomlini, and notes that the Indo-Pacific Molluscan Database also includes Infundibulum aemulans. The genus has a number of synonyms, including Infundibulum (Lamprostoma) and several species now considered synonyms of Trochus or Infundibulops. A nomen dubium, Infundibulum depressum, is also recorded. The reference work by Marshall B.A. (2000) in The Nautilus provides systematic treatment of the genus. The entry preserves uncertainty regarding disputed species and synonyms, reflecting the taxonomic complexity of the group.

Did You Know?

• Infundibulum is a genus of sea snails in the family Trochidae, the top snails.
• The shell is conical, false-umbilicate, with an angular periphery and a nearly flat or concave base.
• Infundibulum depressum is listed as a nomen dubium.