Olivella lactea
NameOlivella lactea
Scientific NameOlivella lactea
Common NameMilk Olivella, Milky Dwarf Olive
FamilyOlividae
GenusOlivella
Specieslactea
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the southeastern United States (North Carolina to Florida), Bermuda, and the Caribbean Sea, extending into the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)10-20
Identifying FeaturesSmooth, highly polished shell surface; pointed spire; long, narrow aperture; and a characteristic single prominent columellar fold (plait) at the base of the inner lip, which is typical for the genus Olivella.
Raritycommon
Author CitationReeve, 1850
Description
A small, elongated, and glossy marine gastropod shell, commonly known as the Milk Olivella. It features a smooth, ovate-conical to fusiform shape with a moderately tall, pointed spire. The aperture is long and narrow, extending nearly the full length of the body whorl. The shell is typically off-white to creamy white, often adorned with subtle, irregular yellowish-brown or orange-brown markings, particularly visible on the body whorl and spire in this specimen.
