Natica

Natica hebraea

Natica is a genus of moon snails ( Naticidae ). It was first described scientifically and introduced by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli 1777.

Appearance

The species of the genus Natica usually have a medium-sized, spherical housing with few, rapidly increasing whorls. The thread is usually not very high. The shell surface is usually smooth and not sculpted, but frequently has a typical coloring or drawing that is used to determine the different types. The case can be closed by an operculum from lime to protect the animal from predators.

Way of life

Most species of this genus are typical soft-bottom dwellers. With her foot swellable they plow through the sand for other molluscs. Due to their specially shaped radula, it is possible to drill into them the shells of sea snails and clams and suck the soft tissues.

System

The genus Natica was the first genus described from the family of Naticidae. For this reason, it included numerous earlier species of which was recognized only gradually belonging to other genera. Some groups such as Naticarius, Tectonatica or Glyphepithema be performed by different authors either as subgenera of Natica or as a separate species.