''Plicopurpura pansa'' is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
sea snail, a marine
gastropod mollusk
Mollusca is the second-largest phylum of invertebrate animals after the Arthropoda, the members of which are known as molluscs or mollusks (). Around 85,000 extant species of molluscs are recognized. The number of fossil species is e ...
in the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Idea ...
Muricidae
Muricidae is a large and varied taxonomic family of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks, commonly known as murex snails or rock snails. With about 1,600 living species, the Muricidae represent almost 10% of the Neoga ...
, the murex snails or rock snails.
Description
Plicopurpura pansa can be recognized for its usage to create one of the dyes produced from animal sources, Tyrian purple. This organism is the only one from its family that can have its dye expelled and collected without causing harm or execution to it.Historically, this shellfish has been “milked” by excreting the dye from the hypobranchial gland. Once this liquid was extracted, it would be implemented for the use of dying fabrics. In Oaxacan communities the milking of these organisms can garner up to 2.5 liters of dye per week.
Distribution
References
Plicopurpura
Gastropods described in 1853
{{Rapaninae-stub