| Vexillum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| An apertural view of ashell ofVexillum taeniatum | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
| Order: | Neogastropoda |
| Superfamily: | Turbinelloidea |
| Family: | Costellariidae |
| Genus: | Vexillum Röding, 1798 |
| Type species | |
| Vexillum plicatum Röding, 1798 | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Vexillum is agenus of small to medium-sizedsea snails,marinegastropodmolluscs in thefamilyCostellariidae.[1]
This genus is notmonophyletic. The genusVexillum contains about 80% of costellariid diversity.[2] It is considered a "dumping ground" for an array of unrelated forms.[3]
The shell is elongated, turreted, longitudinally ribbed or plicate. The spire is acuminated. The aperture is narrow. The columella shows numerous plaits. The outer lip is internally striated.[4]
Vexillum species produce complex venoms dominated by highly diversified shortcysteine-richpeptides, vexitoxins, related toconotoxins.[5]
This genus is cosmopolitan and occurs in tropical and temperate seas, but primarily in shallow waters (but also atbathyal depths) of the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Species within the genusVexillum include:[1]
