Euspira pila
NameEuspira pila
Scientific NameEuspira pila
Common NamePila Moon Snail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusEuspira
Speciespila
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific, particularly around Australia.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)30
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, glossy, globose shell; low spire; large D-shaped aperture; often a calloused inner lip. The umbilicus is typically covered or partially covered. The presence of a perfectly circular drill hole on the larger specimen is a notable feature of this specific shell, indicative of predation by another drilling mollusc.
Raritycommon
Author CitationRöding, 1798
Description
The image displays two shells of Euspira pila. The larger shell is a globose, smooth, and relatively thick-shelled gastropod, exhibiting a low spire and a large, semi-circular aperture. Its coloration is predominantly off-white to cream, with subtle, irregular axial or spiral bands of light brown. A distinctive, perfectly circular drill hole is present on the body whorl, indicating predation, likely by another naticid snail. The smaller shell, possibly a juvenile or a different species, also shows a smooth, globose shape and similar coloration, but is more fragmented. The shells are placed on a grid background, with the larger shell measuring approximately 25-30 mm in height.
