The Consumed Ricinula
NameThe Consumed Ricinula
Scientific NameDrupa ricinus
Common NameThe Consumed Ricinula
FamilyMuricidae
GenusDrupa
Speciesricinus
Geographic DistributionWidespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to Polynesia, including the Red Sea and tropical Australia.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeturbinate
Average Size (mm)15-35
Identifying FeaturesCharacterized by its stout, turbinate shell, short spire, and prominent axial sculpture of nodules or blunt spines (though worn in this specimen). The outer lip is typically thickened and bears 3-5 strong, tooth-like denticles internally. The columella often has several folds or plaits. The aperture is wide, and in live specimens, often displays a distinctive purple or violet coloration.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
A small, worn gastropod shell, uniformly off-white to cream in color, found amidst coarse sand and fine gravel. The shell exhibits a turbinate to ovate shape with a short spire and a relatively large body whorl. Its surface, though smoothed by wear, shows remnants of axial sculpture, likely nodules or blunt ribs. The aperture is wide, and the outer lip appears thickened, suggesting the presence of internal denticles in a live specimen. This shell is likely a dead and bleached specimen of a species commonly found in intertidal zones.
