Neothais harpa is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.[1] The Neothais harpa is classified as part of the Muricidae family and Neothais genus. This species was previously known as the Purpura harpa (Conrad, 1837) before it was changed. This name is currently unaccepted. The parent species is the Neothais Iredale, (1912). Species originates from the Muriciae family, common family to the Murex shells.

Neothais harpa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Neogastropoda
Family: Muricidae
Genus: Neothais
Species:
N. harpa
Binomial name
Neothais harpa
(Conrad, 1837)
Synonyms[1]
  • Purpura harpa Conrad,1837

Description

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Shell sizes vary from medium to large. Known for raised spires and strong sculpture with spiral ridges.[1] Sizes range from 20-29mm.[citation needed] Usually multi-colored ranging in colors from light brown to a dark brown complimenting a dark color within the shell. Known as a non-broadcast spawner. Functional group indicated is benthos.

Distribution and habitats

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Known distribution in Eastern Central Pacific. Found in marine environments, typically benthic and tropical. Commonly found basalt shorelines of the windward islands. Life cycle does not include trochophore stage. The Neothais harpa is endemic to Hawaii. Non-threatening to human life. Feeding type is a predatory Uncommon shell.

Human use and cult significance

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Used in lei and possibly bait, unconfirmed.

 
Neothais harpa

Further reading

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  • Kay, E. Alison. A Natural History of the Hawaiian Islands : Selected Readings II. University of Hawaii Press, 1994.
  • Henderson, Junius. “ The Nautilus.” Conchological Notes from the Hawaiian Islands, vol. 40, 1927, pp. 80–82., https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8523215#page/96/mode/1up. Accessed 26 Feb. 2023.
  • Kay, E. Alison, and Olive Schoenberg-Dole. Shells of Hawai’i. University of Hawaii Press, 1991.
  • Kay, E. Alison. A Natural History of the Hawaiian Islands : Selected Readings II. University of Hawaii Press, 1994.
  • Osorio, C. and V. Cantuarias 1989 Vertical distribution of mollusks on the rocky intertidal of Easter Island. Pacific Science 3(4):302-315.
  • Poppe, Guido. “MURICIDAE.” Conchology, Conchology, Inc, 2018, https://www.conchology.be/?t=27&family=MURICIDAE&species=Neothais+harpa

References

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  1. ^ a b c Neothais harpa (Conrad, 1837). Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 24 April 2010.