Epitonium sawinae is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Epitoniidae.
Description and Characteristics
Epitonium sawinae is a small, slender, white sea snail with a distinctive, spirally ribbed shell. The shell is typically about 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) in length and has a narrow aperture. The shell is characterized by its numerous, prominent spiral ridges, which are often crossed by fine growth lines. The color of the shell is typically white or cream-colored.
Habitat and Occurrence
Epitonium sawinae is found in the intertidal zone and the shallow subtidal zone, inhabiting rocky reefs and sandy bottoms. It is a common species in the northeast Pacific Ocean, ranging from Alaska to California. This species typically occurs in the neritic zone, a marine environment extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Epitonium sawinae is classified within the phylum Mollusca, specifically the class Gastropoda, which encompasses a diverse group of snails and slugs. It belongs to the order Caenogastropoda incertae sedis, a group characterized by their coiled shells and torsion during development. Finally, it is part of the family Epitoniidae, a group of snails commonly known as wentletraps due to their distinctive spiral shells.
Feeding
Epitonium sawinae is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on small invertebrates, including other snails, worms, and crustaceans.
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