Size

Length: 7.5cm (3") Width: 3.5cm (1.5")

Recognition Characters

Widely spaced, unbroken, brown spiral lines encircle shell. Smooth shell, with 7-8 whorls, apex sharp. Foot is black with white speckles. Operculum is horny and brown.

Color

Mottled bluish, greenish-gray, or orange-brown with vertical white patches

Habitat & Depth

Sand and grassy bottoms. Usually found in shallow water.

Distribution at GRNMS

Rare. May be located on sandy patches away from ledges or rocky outcroppings.

Geographic Range

North Carolina, Florida, Gulf of Mexico.

Behavior & Notes

Preys on other snails. This species is closely related to the less common Banded Tulip (Faxciolaria lilium). The Banded Tulip is found from west of Florida in the Dry Tortugas, Louisiana to Texas and Yucatan, Mexico and is generally smaller, with a broader body whorl.

Synonyms

References

Meinkoth 1981