THE STUNNING EPITONIUM SCALARE SEASHELL

 

Photograph by STEVE JURVESTON

 

Epitonium scalare, commonly known as the ‘precious wentletrap’, is a predatory or ectoparasitic species of marine gastropod with an operculum. In the 17th and 18th century, it was considered to be a very rare shell and specimens changed hands for large sums of money.

The shell of this species grows to a lengthbetween 25 mm to 72 mm. The shell is particularly striking because the whorls themselves do not touch, so the shell is held together only by the well-developed ribs (costae). [Source: Wikipedia]

 

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