Velvet Snails [Velutina]

Description

Velutina is a genus within the family Velutinidae, known for its marine snail species that exhibit a velvety appearance due to their soft, often translucent bodies. These snails have a reduced or absent shell, allowing their mantle to envelop the body completely. They are typically found in shallow, cold waters where they live on and under sea ice or amongst seaweeds and other substrates, feeding on sessile invertebrates. The unique adaptation of a reduced shell makes them distinct within their habitats, offering a camouflage advantage against predators.

Species

Velvet snail [Velutina velutina]

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White velvet snail [Velutina undata]

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Brown velvet snail [Velutina plicatilis]

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Taxonomy