Lightning Whelk [Busycon contrarium]
Description
Native to the southeastern coast of the United States, Lightning Whelks are large predatory sea snails. Its shell can grow up to 16 inches in length and is characterized by its left-handed or sinistral spiral. It is usually grayish white with dark brown or black streaks, resembling lightning strikes, hence its name. It preys mainly on bivalves.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Gastropods
Gastropoda
|
| Order |
Neogastropoda
Neogastropoda
|
| Family |
Whelks
Buccinidae
|
| Genus |
Knobbed whelks
Busycon
|