Lunastidae

Lunastidae is a family of extinct marine invertebrates belonging to the class Gastropoda. These organisms are known from the fossil record and are primarily found in Paleozoic rock formations, dating back to the Devonian and Carboniferous periods. Lunastidae gastropods are characterized by their coiled shells, which exhibit a generally planispiral or loosely coiled structure. The aperture, the opening of the shell, is typically well-developed.

Fossil specimens of Lunastidae are often found in association with other marine invertebrates, suggesting they inhabited shallow to moderate marine environments. The exact ecological role of Lunastidae is not fully understood, but like other gastropods, they are presumed to have been herbivores or detritivores, feeding on algae or organic matter. The distribution of Lunastidae fossils indicates a widespread presence across ancient oceans. Their classification within Gastropoda places them among a diverse group of mollusks that includes modern snails and slugs. The study of Lunastidae contributes to our understanding of marine biodiversity and evolutionary trends during the Paleozoic Era. Their extinction likely occurred before the Mesozoic Era, though the specific causes are not definitively known.