Search
Polinices lewisii
Common name(s): Moon Snail
Size:
The shell of the moon snail can reach a height of 12 cm.
Range:
They are usually found on soft shallow bays and Open Ocean to a depth of about 500 feet. The moon snail goes deeper in the water during winter as compared to spring and summer. They are usually found at the roots of where the eelgrass grows, because eelgrass grows on shallow bays, and moon snails usually live on shallow bays. It also helps them camouflage to be safe from their predators.
Habitat:
The moon snail lives on sandy shallow bays to depths of 150 m.
Description:
The shell of the moon snail is composed almost completely of the body whorl. The periostracum (hard chitinous outer covering of the shell) is smooth and they are soft brownish grey. When the moon snail is extended out of its shell, its mantle is very large covering most of the shell.
Feeding:
Clams are a favorite prey of the moon snail. The snail will drill a hole in the shell of the clam and suck out the interior. These clams will have a distintive hole that identifies they have been a victium of the moon snail.
Additional Resources:
Kozloff, Eugene N. (2000). Seashore Life of the Northern Pacific Coast. University of Washington Press: Seattle and London.
Last updated Thursday, August 31, 2006, by Lisa Ferrier
