Drilliola loprestiana (Calcara 1841)

Type of larval development: planktotrophic, inferred from multispiral protoconch.

Shell fusiform up to 7 mm high, with elevated spire and body whorl less than half the total height. Protoconch proportionally very large, with 4-5 convex whorls and a sculpture of axial riblets and a marked suprasutural keel. Teleoconch with 3-4 whorls, with a sculpture of strong, elevated and acute spiral cords, narrower than the interspaces. Axial sculpture of fine raised threads which are very conspicuous in the interspaces and attenuated over the cords. Aperture elongate; outer lip simple, with a deep U-shaped sinus situated next to the suture, then with convex profile in lateral view. Columellar edge simple, making an angle with the parietal edge. Colour of protoconch dark brown, of teleoconch pure white.

Eastern Atlantic, from Bay of Biscay to West Africa, Canary Is. Madeira and the Azores; Mediterranean. Gorringe and Josephine seamounts, uncommon in 335-485 m. Western Atlantic, from Georgia to Brazil.