Lunella undulata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lunella undulata |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Lunella undulata | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The Lunella undulata, often called the common warrener or the lightning turban, is a type of sea snail. It's a marine gastropod mollusk that belongs to the family called Turbinidae. These snails live in the ocean and are known for their unique shells.
Contents
Discovering the Lightning Turban Snail
What Does the Shell Look Like?
The shell of the Lunella undulata can be anywhere from about 3.3 centimeters (1.3 inches) to 7.5 centimeters (3 inches) long. It's a strong shell with a somewhat flattened, round shape. The shell is usually bright green. It often has white stripes running lengthwise, which are covered by a brown outer layer. Sometimes, the shell might be solid green, or the white stripes can look like a checkerboard pattern.
The top part of the shell, called the spire, is dome-shaped or like a low cone. It has five whorls, which are the spiral turns of the shell. The upper whorls might have ridges that are wider than the spaces between them. The very last whorl, which is the largest, curves downwards.
Inside the Shell
The opening of the shell, called the aperture, is oval-shaped and white inside. There's a wide, flat, white area called a columella callus. This covers the central part of the shell where the spirals meet, known as the umbilicus. The umbilicus itself is wide and deep.
Where Do These Snails Live?
This marine snail is found only in Australia. You can spot them off the coasts of New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. They are native to these Australian waters.
How Lunella undulata Interacts with Its Environment
This snail is an important part of the coastal environment. In the past, people living in southeast Australia collected and ate these snails. Their shells are often found in large piles called shell middens. These middens are like ancient garbage dumps, showing us what people ate long ago.
Images for kids
-
A top view of the Lunella undulata shell.
-
An apertural view, showing the opening of the shell.
