Lirapex granularis Warén & Bouchet 1989

Lirapex is similar in size to Peltospira spp. However, Peltospira is more streamlined in appearance and doesn't have tubercles or the bar posterior to the aperture. Echinopelta fistulosa is similar in size to Lirapex; however, it is about 10µm smaller, more angular in appearance, has a raised platform at the base and no tubercles. Unknown peltospirid 240µm closely resembles Lirapex in general morphology, but does not have tubercles and is slightly larger. See notes on peltospirids.

Lirapex has an unusual type of sculpture consisting of the lineate sculpture typical of peltospirids with numerous tubercles between them, especially near the axis of coiling. Both fade out about halfway to the aperture. When viewed from the bottom under the light microscope, a thick bar running across the shell is visible just posterior to the aperture. The aperture is nearly straight, with a wide rim tapering toward the posterior. The shell is transparent and glassy-looking.

Size under dissecting microscope: 220µm
Size under compound microscope: 215, 220µm

Lirapex granularis is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Peltospiridae.

hydrothermal vents and seeps