Northern Moon Snail

Lunatia heros

Northern Moon Snail

Status

Physical 

Moon snails are univalves with an open umbilicus.  They are tan to gray in color, and grow to approximately 10 cm across in length.

Habitat

L. heros ranges from Labrador to North Carolina.  They are commonly found half sunk into beach flats, scavenging for food, but have been found at depths of up to 1200 feet.

Feeding 

L. heros are highly predatory; they hunt slower or sessile mollusks.  The snail will drill into the shell of its prey and eat them.

Northern Moon Snail
Image by Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Wikimedia