Hastula

Hastula is a genus of small predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Terebridae, commonly known as auger shells. These snails are characterized by their long, slender, and sharply pointed shells, which resemble the shape of an awl or a spear. The shell sculpture typically includes axial ribs and sometimes spiral striae, though the specific patterns can vary among species. Hastula snails are found in tropical and subtropical waters, inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms of the intertidal and subtidal zones. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates such as polychaete worms. Their venomous radular teeth are used to immobilize their prey. The genus Hastula is distinguished from other Terebridae by certain features of its shell and reproductive anatomy. Reproduction in Hastula, as in other terebrids, involves external fertilization, with females laying egg masses. While many species of Hastula exist, some are more common and widely distributed than others. Their shells are sometimes collected by beachcombers, though they are generally not as robust as those of some other gastropod families. Research into the genus continues to refine our understanding of its taxonomy and ecological role within marine ecosystems.