Vexillum is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Costellariidae.[1]
This genus is not monophyletic. The genus Vexillum 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 short cysteine-rich peptides, vexitoxins, related to conotoxins. [5]
This genus is cosmopolitan and occurs in tropical and temperate seas, but primarily in shallow waters (but also at bathyal depths) of the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Species within the genus Vexillum include:[1]
Vexillum is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Costellariidae.
This genus is not monophyletic. The genus Vexillum contains about 80 % of costellariid diversity. It is considered a "dumping ground" for an array of unrelated forms.
