Struthiolaria papulosa

Struthiolaria papulosa has an average body length of 77 mm, a body volume of 26.9 cm3 and a wet body mass of 47 g. The shell is dextrally coiled. The opening of the shell has an oval shape with thick, turned-out and wavy lips with a thickened area at the top of the opening. == Distribution and habitat ==

S. papulosa is native to New Zealand but can also be found in certain places along the south and east coast of Australia. == Life cycle ==

The life cycle of S. papulosa is divided in four stages: egg, larva, juvenile and adult. Fertilization occurs externally, after which the fertilized egg starts developing. The egg starts forming a larval shell 9-10 hours after fertilization and, around 3 days later, the larvae grow into juvenile sea snails. S. papulosa live an average of 5 years but can live up to 25 years. == Ecology ==

Diet S. papulosa is a filter feeder that feeds on algae, plankton and other small marine animals. Predators, parasites and diseases S. papulosa has many predators including fish, birds and reptiles. S. papulosa protects itself from being eaten by Asteroidea by repeatedly doing somersaults. == Ecology ==

Although the origin of this snail is unclear, it is believed that S. errata is a possible ancestor. == References ==