Alder's Necklace Shell
NameAlder's Necklace Shell
Scientific NameEuspira alderi
Common NameAlder's Necklace Shell
FamilyNaticidae
GenusEuspira
Speciesalderi
Geographic DistributionNortheast Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, British Isles, from Norway south to the Mediterranean Sea and West Africa.
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)15
Identifying FeaturesKey features include its globose shape, low spire, large body whorl, and the characteristic wavy axial color patterns. When active, it extends a very large, fleshy foot that can almost completely envelop the shell. It is known for drilling a distinctive countersunk hole into the shells of its prey.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Forbes, 1845)
Description
Alder's Necklace Shell is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc belonging to the family Naticidae, commonly known as moon snails or necklace shells. This specimen displays the typical globose shell shape and distinctive color patterns of the species, partially emerged from a sandy substrate, revealing its large, pale foot.
