Alvania micropilosa Gofas 2007

Type of larval development: direct (non planktotrophic) denoted by paucispiral protoconch.

Shell 2.4- 2.8mm high, protoconch 1.5 whorl and teleoconch 3.0 to 3.75 whorls.Protoconch with 6-7 fine spiral threads; teleoconch with a strong sculpture of elevated, widely separated axial ribs, and spiral cords forming knobs at their intersection with the axial sculpture. Abapical cord of spire whorls stronger and separated from the suture by a broader interspace. Spiral microsculpture of indistinct threads, on which can be seen some tiny periostracal hairs (visible under the scanning electron microscope only). Outer lip bordered with a thick rim overrun by the spiral sculpture; smooth inside. Shell colour white, sometimed with a very pale brownish blotch adapically on the external surface behind the outer lip. This species resembles Alvania cimicoides (Forbes, 1844) in some shell features, with a broad channel between the suture and a cord of the preceding whorl; it differs nevertheless in having a paucispiral protoconch and a nearly colourless shell. The periostracal hairs are characteristic and were not seen on any of the other species (including A. cimicoides) examined at the same magnifications.

Meteor seamount, very common in 305-470 m. Hyères and Irving seamounts, rare in 480-790 m. Endemic to Meteor group seamounts