- Description
- The shell genus, Atys, properly belongs in the family, Haminoeidae, rather than "Atyidae" (which is a classification reserved for a family of crustaceans —not molluscs). Species in this family are mainly known from the empty shell. In the absence of wet tissue anatomy, most of the species are therefore poorly defined. The shells share many features with shells of other families within the subclass, particularly the large comma-shaped aperture; see in particular, Bullidae and Hydatinidae. None have an operculum, and shells tend to be rather fragile.
- The molluscs are colorful. In general, they have a rounded head shield, and fleshy winglike outgrowths (parapodia) that partially or completely fold over the shell. In common with the preceding families, the Haminoeidae are vegetarian species. Like the Bullidae, but unlike the Hydatinidae, the mollusc can completely retract within its shell. It burrows in mud and feeds on sublittoral algae, especially the Sea Lettuce, Ulva lactica.
- Classification
- Class: Gastropoda
- Informal Group : Opisthobranchia
- Clade: Cephalaspidea
- Subfamily: Haminoeoidea
- Family: Haminoeidae
- Major Genera
- Genus: Atys
- Genus: Haminoea
Atys semistriata (Pease, 1860)
Variably Banded Atys