In the taxonomy of Bouchet & Rocroi (2005), this subfamily comprises the subfamilies Cingulininae and Eulimellinae, that have been downgraded to the rank of tribe.[2]
Subfamily Turbonillinae Bronn, 1849
Tribe Turbonillini Bronn, 1849
Tribe Cingulinini Saurin, 1958
Tribe Eulimellini Saurin, 1958
In 2010 the subfamily Turbonillinae has been recognized as monophyletic[6]
Genera
Genera within the subfamily Turbonillinae include:[4]
tribe Turbonillini
Turbonilla Risso, 1826 - type genus of the subfamily Turbonillinae
The genus Ebala was previously placed in the Eulimellinae, but was then placed in the family Ebalidae, that is a synonym of Murchisonellidae.[2]
Distribution
This family is found worldwide.
Shell description
The shell of these snails has a blunt, heterostrophicprotoconch, which is pointed sideways. The shell of most species are rather high and slender.
The texture of these shells is usually ribbed sculptured in various forms and often also have more or less prominent spirals. Their color is mostly white, cream or yellowish, sometimes with red or brown lines.
The adult shell, the teleoconch is dextrally coiled, but the larval shells are sinistral. This results in a sinistrally coiled protoconch. The opening of the shell, the aperture is closed by a lid, a so called operculum.
Life habits
The Turbonillinae are ectoparasites, feeding mainly on other molluscs and on annelid worms.
They do not have a radula. Instead their long proboscis is used to pierce the skin of its prey and suck up its fluids and soft tissues. The eyes on the grooved tentacles are situated toward the base of the tentacles. Between the head and the foot, a lobed process called the mentum (= thin projection) is visible.
^ abcSchander C., van Aartsen J. J. & Corgan J. C. (1999). "Families and genera of the Pyramidelloidea (Mollusca: Gastropoda)". Bollettino Malacologico. 34 (9–12): 145–166.
^Gofas, S. (2010). Atomiscala islandica Warén, 1989. In: Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S.; Rosenberg, G. (2010) World Marine Mollusca database. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=140896 on 2011-03-22
^Gofas, S. (2010). Rissopsetia islandica Warén, 1989. In: Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S.; Rosenberg, G. (2010) World Marine Mollusca database. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=141043 on 2011-03-22