olida

Olida refers to a genus of marine snails belonging to the family Pyramidellidae. These snails are characterized by their small size, elongated, and typically smooth shells, which often have a pointed apex. The shell aperture is usually narrow and elongated, and the columella may bear one or more folds. Olida snails are found in various marine environments, commonly inhabiting shallow coastal waters, including sandy bottoms, mudflats, and seagrass beds.

As with many members of the Pyramidellidae family, Olida snails are often ectoparasitic. They feed by piercing the tissues of other marine invertebrates, such as bivalves, gastropods, and polychaete worms, using a modified proboscis to extract their host's body fluids. This parasitic lifestyle means they play a role in the marine food web by influencing the populations of their prey species.

The distribution of Olida species is widespread, with representatives found in tropical and temperate waters across the globe. Taxonomy within the Olida genus can be complex, and specific species identification often relies on detailed examination of shell morphology and sometimes genetic analysis. Research into Olida species contributes to our understanding of marine gastropod diversity, parasitic relationships, and the ecological dynamics of coastal ecosystems.