Lettered Olive
NameLettered Olive
Scientific NameOliva sayana
Common NameLettered Olive
FamilyOlividae
GenusOliva
Speciessayana
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina south to Florida, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico, including the Caribbean Sea.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)40
Identifying FeaturesIts smooth, glossy, elongated shell with a short spire, and the characteristic 'lettered' or hieroglyphic brown markings on a pale background. The aperture is long and narrow, and the columella has several folds.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Ravenel, 1834)
Description
The Lettered Olive is a species of medium-sized, predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Olividae, the olive snails. Its shell is highly prized by collectors for its smooth, glossy surface and distinctive markings.
