Precious Wentletrap Shells

Photographer: Greg ParkerSummary Authors: Greg Parker; Jim Foster

Shown here are a pair of Precious Wentletrap (Epitonium scalare) shells, with a U.K. one pound coin for scale. These marine gastropod mollusks are predatory, feeding upon creatures such as sea anemones. They make their home in subtidal sand of coastal Japan and other Western Pacific islands, as well as the shores of equatorial Pacific islands and the Indian Ocean. Several hundred years ago, Precious Wentletraps were thought to be rather rare and as a result particularly attractive specimens, ones with remarkable spiraling shells, were exchanged for handsome sums.

Photo Details: Canon 40D camera; Canon 100 mm macro lens; f 32; ISO 100.

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