Milk Moon Snail
NameMilk Moon Snail
Scientific NamePolinices lacteus
Common NameMilk Moon Snail
FamilyNaticidae
GenusPolinices
Specieslacteus
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and off the coasts of Florida, Bermuda, and Brazil.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeglobose
Average Size (mm)25
Identifying FeaturesGlobose and smooth shell, low spire, large D-shaped aperture, and a distinctive, thick, white callus that completely fills the umbilicus.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Guilding, 1834)
Description
A globose, thick-shelled gastropod, characterized by its smooth, glossy surface and uniformly whitish to pale cream or lavender coloration. The spire is low and depressed, and the body whorl is large and inflated. The aperture is D-shaped and wide, and a prominent, thick, white callus completely covers the umbilicus, a key identifying feature.
