Neverita
Neverita is a genus of medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Naticidae, the moon snails. They are commonly known as moon snails or sand collars. These marine snails are predatory, feeding on other mollusks. Their shells are thick, smooth, and often have a glossy, porcelain-like appearance. The aperture of the shell is usually large and rounded. The operculum is a tough, horny plate that covers the opening of the shell when the animal retracts inside.
Common Names
Common names for Neverita species include:
- Moon snail
- Sand collar
- Naticid
Characteristics
Neverita snails exhibit several defining characteristics:
- Shell: Thick, smooth, glossy, porcelain-like, with a large, rounded aperture.
- Operculum: Tough, horny plate covering the shell opening.
- Predatory: They feed on other mollusks, including clams and other snails.
- Size: Medium-sized, with shell lengths ranging from a few centimeters to over 10 centimeters.
- Color: Typically cream, tan, or brown, often with darker bands or patterns.
Environment
Neverita snails are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones: They can be found on sandy beaches and mudflats.
- Subtidal zones: They also inhabit shallow, nearshore waters.
- Estuaries: Some species are tolerant of brackish water.
References
For further information, consult the following reliable sources: