lepidopleurids

Lepidopleurids are a group of marine snails that belong to the family Lepidopleuridae. These snails are characterized by their flattened, disk-like shells, which are often partially enclosed by a supervisceral organ. The shell of lepidopleurids is typically beige or gray in color, with a smooth surface and a rounded aperture.

Lepidopleurids are generally small to medium-sized snails, ranging in size from 5 to 20 millimeters in diameter. They are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world, where they typically inhabit rocky or sandy substrates. The snails are herbivorous, feeding on various types of algae and detritus.

The internal anatomy of lepidopleurids features a unique characteristic, namely, the presence of a supervisceral organ that partially encloses the shell. This organ is thought to be an adaptation for the snail's diet, allowing it to efficiently collect and process plant material. The snails also possess a well-developed opisthobranch structure, which is typical of marine snails that have lost the ability to produce shell growth paths.

Taxonomically, lepidopleurids are part of the phylum Mollusca, class Gastropoda, and subclass Opisthobranchia. The genus Lepidopleura, to which the majority of lepidopleurid species belong, contains numerous recognized species. However, new research on the classification and evolutionary history of lepidopleurids may lead to revisions in the taxonomy of these snails.