This family includes the slipper snails (Crepidula species), the Chinese hat snails, (Calyptraea species), and the cup-and-saucer snails (Crucibulum species) among others.
Crepidula fornicata was transported to Europe on imported American oysters in the late 19th century and is now considered a significant pest in European oyster beds.[2]
Description
Internally, the shell is distinguished by a shelf-like, cup-like, or half-cup-like structure used for muscle attachment. Some calyptraeids have shells that externally resemble those of limpets, so species in the genus Crepidula are often called slipper limpets. However, these snails are not closely related to true limpets and are more closely related to conches and cowries. The "slipper" in the name "slipper limpet" is based on the appearance of the inside of the shell, which with its half-shelf resembles a traditional western bedroom slipper.
Reproduction
Calyptraeids may form a tower of up to 25 animals, sometimes referred to as a mating chain. The bottom snail is always female. When she dies, the male above her will change from male to female, and the chain continues.[3]
Genera
Genera within the family Calyptraeidae include:[4][5][6]
Syphopatella Lesson, 1831: synonym of Crepidula Lamarck, 1799
Trochatella Lesson, 1831: synonym of Trochita Schumacher, 1817
Trochilla Swainson, 1835: synonym of Trochita Schumacher, 1817
Verticumbo Berry, 1940 †: synonym of Crepipatella Lesson, 1831
Zeacrypta Finlay, 1926: synonym of Maoricrypta Finlay, 1926
Zegalerus Finlay, 1927: synonym of Sigapatella Lesson, 1831
References
^ a bMolluscaBase. Calyptraeidae Lamarck, 1809. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=141 on 2019-11-04
^"Crepidula fornicata". Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 2006-04-24. Archived from the original on 2018-07-05. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
^"In Pictures: Strange seas". BBC News. 2010-01-19.
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Miocene Gastropods and Biostratigraphy of the Kern River Area, California; United States Geological Survey Professional Paper 642 This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
Marshall B.A. 2003. A review of the Recent and Late Cenozoic Calyptraeidae of New Zealand (Mollusca: Gastropoda). The Veliger 46(2): 117-144
Collin R. 2005. Development, phylogeny, and taxonomy of Bostrycapulus (Caenogastropoda: Calyptraeidae), an ancient cryptic radiation. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 144(1): 75-101,
Hoagland, K.E. 1977. Systematic review of fossil and recent Crepidula and discussion of the evolution of the Calyptraeidae. Malacologia, 16(2): 353-420