Janthinoidea


Janthinoidea is a superfamily of sea snails containing wentletraps and surfing snails. It includes species that have tethered egg masses, some of which are used for flotation.

Phylogeny

Molecular evidence supports a tree for Janthinoidea that shows the sequential development of traits for a neustonic life. The wentletraps have tethered egg massses that started to be used for flotation in Recluzia and then totally divorce from its original function for the ovoviviparous Janthina janthina.

Taxonomy

Janthinoidea includes the following families, genera, and species.