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]