Mammilla simiae
NameMammilla simiae
Scientific NameMammilla simiae
Common NameMonkey Moon Snail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusMammilla
Speciessimiae
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and various parts of the Indian Ocean.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)30-70
Identifying FeaturesGlobose, smooth shell; low spire; large body whorl; semi-lunar aperture; prominent parietal callus partially or fully obscuring the umbilicus; characteristic irregular brown flammulate patterns. The operculum is horny.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Deshayes, 1838)
Description
A medium-sized, globose to ovate marine snail shell, characterized by its smooth surface, low spire, and large body whorl. The shell is typically whitish to cream, adorned with irregular, often axial or flammulate (flame-like) reddish-brown to purplish-brown patterns. The aperture is semi-lunar, and a prominent parietal callus partially or fully covers the umbilicus. This species is a predatory moon snail, inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates in tropical Indo-Pacific waters.
