June 8, 2011 at 5:00 pm

Picture of the Day: The Stunning Epitonium Scalare Seashell

by twistedsifter

picture of the day Picture of the Day: The Stunning Epitonium Scalare Seashell

 

THE STUNNING EPITONIUM SCALARE SEASHELL

 

epitonium scalare shell Picture of the Day: 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]

 

via Wikimedia Commons