Pterygia jeanjacquesi

Pterygia jeanjacquesi is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Mitridae, commonly known as miter snails. This species was first described in 2010 by Italian malacologist Luigi Bozzetti based on specimens collected from the southwestern coast of Madagascar.^[1]

Pterygia jeanjacquesi is classified within the order Neogastropoda, a diverse group of predatory marine snails. Within the family Mitridae, it belongs to the genus Pterygia, which includes species known for their slender, elongated shells and carnivorous habits. The family Mitridae has been subject to significant taxonomic revision, particularly following the 2018 molecular phylogenetic study by Fedosov et al., which reshaped the classification of many mitrid species.^[2]

The shell of Pterygia jeanjacquesi reaches a length of approximately 12 mm. It is slender and fusiform (spindle-shaped), with a pointed apex and a relatively narrow aperture. The surface of the shell is smooth with faint axial and spiral sculpture. The coloration, as described in the original publication, ranges from pale cream to light brown, sometimes with subtle banding, although detailed pattern variation is not extensively documented. The shell structure reflects its placement in Pterygia, which is characterized by graceful, tapering forms.

The holotype specimen is preserved in the collections of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris, with catalog number MNHN-IM-2000-23786.^[3]

Pterygia jeanjacquesi is known exclusively from the marine waters off the southern coast of Madagascar, specifically in the region near Lavanono, in the southwestern part of the island.^[4] The habitat is presumed to be subtidal sandy or rubble zones typical for Mitridae species, although no ecological studies have been published on this particular species.

This area is part of the southwestern Indian Ocean, a region known for high marine biodiversity and a high rate of endemism, particularly among mollusks.

Little is currently known about the specific ecological behavior of Pterygia jeanjacquesi. Like other members of the Mitridae, it is presumed to be carnivorous, possibly preying on small invertebrates such as polychaete worms. These snails are typically benthic, meaning they dwell on the sea floor. No information is available about its reproductive behavior or life cycle.

There is no current conservation assessment for Pterygia jeanjacquesi by the IUCN Red List. However, given its very limited known distribution and the increasing threats to marine habitats in Madagascar due to coastal development, overfishing, and climate change, further research is recommended to assess its conservation status.

The species was named jeanjacquesi by Bozzetti in honor of a person named Jean-Jacques. The original description does not provide additional information regarding the identity of the honoree.

• Fedosov et al. (2018). The collapse of Mitra: molecular systematics and morphology of the Mitridae. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.