Family Triphoridae

Triphorids are almost always left-handed. The 5-mm (about 0.2 inch) White Triphora is characterized by its pure white color and a multispiral (many-whorled), translucent-brown protoconch (larval shell), with a reticulated sculpture on its first whorl. Other features of shell and radula also distinguish this species from its closest relatives. The shell illustrated, collected on Captiva Island by Joan Lightfoot, is a paratype, one of the specimens studied and illustrated by Emilio Rol&#225n and Harry G. Lee in the original species description. (The shell in the photo has been coated with metal for scanning electron microscopy.) Photos by Particia A. Starkey.

Shell size to 5 mm; shell elongate, sinistral. Sculpture of spiral rows of rounded beads, two rows on first 4-5 whorls, three on subsequent whorls, four on last whorl. Aperture lozenge-shaped, with short anterior canal. Base with 1-2 narrow cords near periphery. Triphorids live in association with sea sponges (which in turn may be found locally living on rocks and other hard surfaces).