Lyria michardi is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Volutidae, the volutes.[2]

Lyria michardi
Shell of Lyria michardi (holotype at MNHN, Paris)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Neogastropoda
Family: Volutidae
Genus: Lyria
Species:
L. michardi
Binomial name
Lyria michardi
Bail, 2009[1]
Synonyms

Lyria (Indolyria) michardi Bail, 2009· accepted, alternate representation

Description

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Lyria michardi is a large species, reaching up to 50 mm in length. The shell is a glossy white with brown spiral bands. The aperture is large and oval. The spire is high and conical. The siphonal canal is long and slender.[citation needed]

Lyria michardi is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from Madagascar to the Philippines. It is a deep-water species, living at depths of 100 to 500 m.[citation needed]

The diet of Lyria michardi is not well known, but it is thought to eat other gastropods. It is a predatory snail, and uses its long siphonal canal to suck up its prey.[citation needed]

Lyria michardi is a prized shell among collectors. It is a rare and beautiful species, and can fetch high prices.[citation needed] The shell is sometimes called the "Madagascar Volute" or the "Michardi Volute".[citation needed]

The species was first described by Bail in 2009.

The shell is thought to be threatened by overfishing. [citation needed]

Lyria michardi is a hermaphroditic species, meaning that each individual snail has both male and female reproductive organs.[citation needed]

Distribution

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This marine species occurs off Southern Madagascar.

References

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  • Bail P. (2009). A new species of Lyria (Gastropoda) from the southwestern coast of Madagascar. Novapex 10(2): 65-67