wentletrap

Wentletrap is the common name for a group of small to medium-sized marine gastropods in the family Epitoniidae, most notably the genus Epitonium. These snails are predatory or ectoparasitic on cnidarians, such as sea anemones and soft corals, and are found in oceans worldwide, from temperate to tropical regions. Wentletraps are especially noted for their slender, high-spired shells.

Shells of wentletraps are distinctive: they are turreted and multi-spiral, with numerous whorls and a finely sculptured surface that often features a lattice-like or ribbed pattern. The coloration is typically white or pale, and the aperture is relatively small. The overall appearance has led to their being highly prized by shell collectors and natural history museums.

Ecology and behavior: Wentletraps live on or near their cnidarian hosts, using a long proboscis to feed on the soft tissues of the target animal. This specialized feeding strategy makes them relatively slow movers and highly dependent on the presence of suitable cnidarian prey. Reproduction is sexual, with larvae that are usually planktonic, allowing dispersal into new areas.

Etymology and cultural note: The name wentletrap derives from the Dutch wenteltrap, meaning winding staircase, a reference to the shell’s stepped, spiraled profile. Because of their ornate shells, wentletraps have long been collected and studied as examples of molluscan shell morphology and evolution.

Conservation and study: Wentletraps are not typically listed as globally endangered, but regional habitat loss and collection pressure can impact local populations. They remain of interest to malacologists and shell enthusiasts for their diverse forms and ecological specialization.