episcopal mitre

The term "mitre" can refer to two distinct subjects: a liturgical headdress and a type of marine snail.

A miter is a ceremonial headdress worn by bishops and abbots in various Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. It typically features two shield-shaped halves and two fringed streamers, symbolizing spiritual authority.1

A mitre shell, on the other hand, is a marine snail belonging to the family Mitridae. These snails are characterized by their thick, bullet-shaped shells, which vaguely resemble a bishop's mitre. The episcopal mitre (Mitra mitra) is a notable example, known for its orange-checked shell and large size, often reaching up to 10 centimeters (4 inches). These marine snails are most commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region.2