Mollusca
Pisania multangula
(False Drill)
1. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
2. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
3. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
Size
Length: 2-3cm (0.75-1.25")
Recognition Characters
Somewhat spindle-shaped and broad with an elevated spire about half of shell length. Whorls are convex with 9-10 strong axial ribs. Sometimes angled at periphery and crossed by spiral cords. Aperture is ovate. Interior of outer lip is ridged.
Color
Yellowish-white usually irregularly marked with reddish-brown. Interior of aperture is white.
Habitat & Depth
On rocky bottoms, oyster and turtle grass beds. Shells commonly inhabited by hermit crabs.
Distribution at GRNMS
Rare. Only empty shells collected inhabited by hermit crabs. May be more common inshore.
Geographic Range
North Carolina south to Puerto Rico and Yucatan, Mexico
Behavior & Notes
Sometimes this species is placed in the Indo-Pacific genus Cantharus.
Synonyms
Cantharus multangula
Abbott 2001