Tampa Drill
NameTampa Drill
Scientific NameEupleura sulcidentata
Common NameTampa Drill
FamilyMuricidae
GenusEupleura
Speciessulcidentata
Geographic DistributionSoutheastern United States, primarily along the Gulf of Mexico coast of Florida (including Tampa Bay), extending northward to the Carolinas.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)15-30
Identifying FeaturesProminent, often somewhat flattened or frilly axial varices (typically 7-9 per whorl), strong spiral cords, a relatively short and open siphonal canal, and a crenulated or denticulate outer lip of the aperture.
Raritycommon
Author CitationDall, 1890
Description
The Tampa Drill (*Eupleura sulcidentata*) is a small to medium-sized predatory sea snail belonging to the Muricidae family. Its shell is robust, biconical to fusiform, characterized by prominent, often frilly or lamellar axial varices (ribs) and distinct spiral cords. The shell typically exhibits mottled patterns of brown, grey, and whitish hues, sometimes with darker banding. The aperture is oval, featuring a well-defined siphonal canal, and the outer lip is often crenulated or denticulate. This species is known for its predatory nature, drilling into the shells of other mollusks.
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