Eulepetopsis vitrea McLean 1990

The only protoconch that is likely to be confused with Eulepetopsis vitrea in our samples is another genus in the same family, Neolepetopsis sp. Both protoconchs are about the same size and similar in appearance. However, the posterior edge of Neolepetopsis is slightly flattened laterally, giving it a more pointed look. This is better seen when viewed from the side. Viewed from above, the Neolepetopsis protoconch is oval, whereas that of Eulepetopsis is indented behind the aperture.

This is a moderately large protoconch, with shallow, coarse pitted sculpture over the entire shell, giving it a grainy appearance under the light microscope. The shell is dorsoventrally flattened, so it is usually found either with the aperture facing down or lying at an angle with the aperture visible. The posterior portion of the aperture flares out from the body, forming a deep indentation on both sides. The posterior of the shell is smoothly rounded.

Size under dissecting microscope: 250µm

Eulepetopsis vitrea is a species of sea snail, a true limpet, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Neolepetopsidae, one of the families of true limpets.

Eulepetopsis vitrea is the only species in the genus Eulepetopsis.

hydrothermal vents and seeps