Description

 

Typically, shells of this family are shaped like long, slender augers or screws, which are very similar to Turritellidae, or turret shells. However, a characteristic that immediately distinguishes Terebridae from Turritellidae shells is the irregular aperture with a short anterior canal or notch. Terebridae also tend to have flattened rather than convex whorls; a shape more twisted than spiraled; and, one or two folds on the columella. Species in this family are predominantly grouped in either the Terebra or the Hastula genus, with a few remaining in two other genera.

World-wide, there are about 300 species. All are sand-dwelling carnivores found in warmer waters. By projecting a venomous barb like that of the cone shell molluscs (e.g., see Conidae), they stun their prey, which consists of various marine worms.

 

Classification

Class: Gastropoda

Clade: Neogastropoda

Superfamily: Conoidea

Family: Terebridae

 

Major Genera

• Genus: Duplicaria
• Genus: Hastula
• Genus: Impages
• Genus: Terebra

Terebra lima (Deschayes, 1857)
File Auger
(a rare species)

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