Pyroglyphus

Pyroglyphus is a genus of marine snails, specifically belonging to the family Pyramidellidae. These small gastropod mollusks are characterized by their typically slender, elongate shells, which are often smooth and lack prominent sculpture. Pyroglyphus species are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting various benthic habitats, including sandy and muddy bottoms.

As with other members of the Pyramidellidae family, Pyroglyphus are ectoparasites. They possess a specialized proboscis that they use to feed on the body fluids of other invertebrates, primarily polychaete worms. Their feeding strategy involves inserting their proboscis into the host's tissues and extracting nutrients. The precise feeding habits and host specificity can vary among different Pyroglyphus species.

The reproductive biology of Pyroglyphus, like many small marine invertebrates, is not extensively studied but generally follows patterns seen in other pyramidellids, involving external fertilization and the development of planktonic larval stages. Fossil records indicate the presence of this genus dating back to the Tertiary period, suggesting a long evolutionary history. Classification within the Pyroglyphus genus is based on shell morphology and anatomical features, though revision and further research are ongoing for some species.