Oliva ornata
NameOliva ornata
Scientific NameOliva ornata
Common NameOrnate Olive
FamilyOlividae
GenusOliva
Speciesornata
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)40-60
Identifying FeaturesGlossy, cylindrical shell with a short spire; distinctive reddish-brown zigzag or tent-like patterns on a pale background; smooth surface; narrow aperture (though not fully visible in this view); columella typically plicate at the base.
Raritycommon
Author CitationMarrat, 1867
Description
The Oliva ornata, commonly known as the Ornate Olive, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Olividae. This shell is characterized by its elongated, cylindrical, and highly glossy form. Its surface is smooth, and it features a short, conical spire. The most striking feature is its intricate color pattern, consisting of reddish-brown to purplish-brown zigzag lines, tent-like markings, and blotches on a creamy white to pale yellowish background. Small darker spots are often present along the suture and at the base. Like other olive shells, it is a carnivorous burrower found in sandy substrates.
