Nautinellidae

Nautinellidae is a family of extinct marine gastropod molluscs. Fossils of Nautinellidae are found in rocks from the Devonian period. These ancient snails are characterized by their coiled shells, which are typically planispiral, meaning they are coiled in a single plane. The shell ornamentation can vary, but often includes axial ribs and spiral sculpture. Nautinellidae were likely detritivores or herbivores, feeding on organic matter on the seafloor. Their distribution appears to have been widespread, with fossils discovered in various regions of the world. The precise phylogenetic relationships of Nautinellidae within the Gastropoda are not fully resolved, but they are generally placed within the superfamily Loxonematoidea. The family is known from a limited number of genera, with Nautinella being the type genus. Studying Nautinellidae provides insights into the diversity of marine life during the Devonian and contributes to our understanding of gastropod evolution. The fossil record of this family, while not extensive, is important for paleoecological reconstructions of Devonian marine environments.