Description
Mitra papalis, commonly known as the Papal Mitre or Pontifical Mitre, is a species of sea snail in the Mitridae family. These snails are characterized by their large, white shells with vibrant red-orange or purplish blotches, and their overall form resembling a Papal mitre. They can reach lengths of up to 166 millimeters (6.5 inches).
Here's a more detailed description:
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Shape:
The shells are elongate to ovate, fusiform, and smooth, lacking axial streaks.
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Color:
The shell surface is typically white with small, white nodules under the sutures.
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Blotches:
They have several rows of irregular, bright red-orange or purplish blotches.
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Aperture:
The aperture is moderately wide and smooth on the inside.
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Sutures:
Sutural coronations are present, and the sutures are more adpressed compared to similar species like Mitra stictica.
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Similarities to Mitra stictica:
Mitra papalis is similar to Mitra stictica, but it has a longer body form, more adpressed sutures, and wider nodules.
