Otala
Appearance
Otala | |
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Otala punctata | |
Scientific classification | |
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Genus: | Otala Schumacher, 1817
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Otala is a genus of land snails in the family Helicidae.[1]
Archaeological evidence in Morocco indicates the exploitation of O. lactea by ancient Romans as a food source.[2]
Distribution
This genus of snail is native to northwestern Africa and southwestern Europe.
Anatomy
These snails create and shoot love darts as part of their courtship and mating behavior.
Species
Species within the genus Otala include:[3]
- Otala lactea (Müller, 1774)
- Otala punctata (Müller, 1774)
References
- ^ Taxonomy of the Genus Otala (2008). Uniprot.
- ^ Hogan, C. M. Volubilis. In: Burnham, A. (ed.) The Megalithic Portal. 2007.
- ^ Genus summary for Otala. AnimalBase, accessed 7 August 2009.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Otala.