Lined whelk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lined whelk
Shell of Buccinulum linea (lectotype at MNHN, Paris)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
(unranked):	clade Caenogastropoda clade Hypsogastropoda clade Neogastropoda
Superfamily:	Buccinoidea
Family:	Buccinidae
Subfamily:	Buccininae
Tribe:	Buccinulini
Genus:	Buccinulum
Species:	B. linea
Subspecies:	B. linea linea
Trinomial name
Buccinulum linea linea (Martyn, 1784)
Synonyms
Buccinulum (Chathamina) characteristica Finlay, 1928 Buccinulum (Evarnula) multilineum Powell, 1929 Buccinulum (Evarnula) multilineum aupouria Powell, 1940 Buccinulum (Evarnula) squalidum Powell, 1929 Buccinulum (Evarnula) sufflatum Finlay, 1926 Buccinulum (Evarnula) sufflatum decoratum Powell, 1929 Buccinulum multilineum Powell, 1929 Buccinulum squalidum Powell, 1929 Buccinulum sufflatum Finlay, 1926 Buccinulum sufflatum decoratum Powell, 1929 Buccinulum waitangiensis Powell, 1933 Buccinum linea Martyn, 1784 (basionym) Cominella striata Hutton, 1875 † Euthria lineata "Martyn" Fusus chemnitzii Anton, 1838 Fusus linea Martyn, 1784 Fusus lineatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1833 Murex lineatus Gmelin, 1791 Verconella dubia Marwick, 1924 † Verconella thomsoni Marwick, 1924 †

The lined whelk, known scientifically as Buccinulum linea linea, is a type of sea snail. It is a mollusc that belongs to the group called gastropods. This means it has a single shell and moves on a muscular "foot."

This particular whelk is a subspecies of Buccinulum linea. It lives in the ocean and is part of the Buccinidae family, which includes many different kinds of whelks. You can only find the lined whelk in New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands.

What is a Whelk?

A whelk is a kind of sea snail. Most whelks have a spiral shell that is often cone-shaped or oval. They are carnivores, meaning they eat other animals. Whelks usually live on the seafloor. They can be found in many different ocean environments.

Where Does the Lined Whelk Live?

The lined whelk, Buccinulum linea linea, is special because it is endemic to New Zealand. This means it is found naturally only in New Zealand waters. It lives in the ocean around the main islands of New Zealand. It also lives near the Chatham Islands, which are a group of islands east of New Zealand.

What Does the Lined Whelk Look Like?

Like other whelks, the lined whelk has a strong, spiral shell. The shell helps protect its soft body. The name "lined whelk" suggests that its shell might have distinct lines or patterns. These patterns can help it blend in with its surroundings. The exact size and color can vary.

Its Scientific Name

The full scientific name for the lined whelk is Buccinulum linea linea. This name helps scientists around the world know exactly which animal they are talking about. The first part, Buccinulum, is the genus. The second part, linea, is the species. The third part, linea again, shows it is a specific subspecies.

The name was first given by Martyn in 1784. This date tells us when it was first officially described by scientists.

See also

In Spanish: Buccinulum linea linea para niños