Mirula plicatula
Mirula plicatula
Common name
Auger Snail
Fossil group
Molluscs
Order
Neogastropoda
Family
Terebridae
Genus
Mirula
Taxonomic status
Accepted
Geological age
Ypresian
Summary
Mirula plicatula was a small slender auger snail. Terebrids are active infaunal or surface-moving predators that use a proboscis and specialised feeding apparatus to take small worms and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
The elongate many-whorled shell and regular axial folds are the most obvious characters. It is much more slender than typical whelks.
Quick Identification
Look for: a small very slender high-spired auger shell with many whorls, regular axial folds and a narrow aperture with a short anterior canal.
Diagnostic Features
- Shell elongate and narrowly turreted with a very high spire.
- Numerous whorls increase slowly in diameter.
- Regular axial plicae or folds form the dominant ornament.
- Fine spiral sculpture crosses or accompanies the axial folds.
- Aperture narrow and elongate with a short anterior canal.
Fossil Details
Typical size
Small; complete Eocene shells are commonly around 10–15 mm high.
Fossil material
Shell, Internal Mould / Cast
Preservation
The long narrow shell is easily snapped into whorl fragments, and the aperture is often lost. Axial folds can remain diagnostic on fragments, but a complete aperture is desirable for confident identification.
Similar Species
Recorded Fossil Sites
Lessness Shell Bed
Blackheath Member
Confirmed
Synonyms & Previous Names
Terebra plicatula; Terebra (Mirula) plicatula
References
- Wrigley, A. (1931). The Lower Eocene Mollusca of Abbey Wood and of High Halstow, Kent. The Vertebrate Faunas of the English Eocene, 1, 110–112. British Museum (Natural History), London View reference
Last Reviewed
22 August 2026
Reviewed by
Sam Harris