Mitride (mit ride)

pl. [NL., -ida.] A family of rach i glo ate pectin i branchiate gastropods, typified by the genus Mitra; the miter-shells. The family is related to the volutes and olives, and is often merged in Volutide. The teeth of the odontophore are disposed in three longitudinal rows, and the long turreted shell has a narrow aperture with the columella plaited near the anterior end. About 400 species have been described, chiefly from tropical seas; those of the Pacific are of large size and striking colors, though the pattern may be concealed in the living state by the horny epidermis. Also called Mitracea. See cut under Mitra . IMG:content-0788.png:[blocks in formation]