Buccinidae

Family: Buccinidae

Group: Marine Invertebrate, Species

Scientific Name	Common Name	Summary
Lirabuccinum dirum	Dire Whelk	This is a common intertidal scavenging snail.
Neptunea amianta	White neptune	The white neptune is a deepwater species most often seen below 200 meters. Most recovered specimens are from golden king crab pots. This species is unique in having a white shell. Like the Pribby (Neptunea pribiloffensis) it has a very delicate thin shell and generally fine ribbing.
Neptunea lyrata	Ridged whelk	Typically subtidal, this whelk is also encountered intertidally near Wrangell and Petersburg (where it can be abundant). Distinguished from the far more common Oregon triton (Fusitriton oregonensis) by ridges that are parallel to the whorls rather than their axis. Neptunea lyrata has a fascinating taxonomic history. The name has been applied to the common species found from Alaska to Washington State. It has a light background and dark spiral ribs. However, in 2003 researchers found the type specimen and were surprised to find that it was a different species than what most have been calling Neptunea lyrata! As described, Neptunea lyrata have a dark aperture, are smaller, and have much finer ribs that seen in the widespread and common species typically called by that name. The common species formerly known as Neptunea lyrata, currently being examined by taxonomists, is likely undescribed. Other subtidal species of Neptunea in the area, such as White neptune (Neptunea amianta) (found in deep crab pots) has more rounded whorls and Pribby (Neptunea pribiloffensis) a more rounded opening.
Neptunea pribiloffensis	Pribby	This common subtidal species is often found in crab and shrimp traps. Unlike other large snails in our area (except the related White neptune (Neptunea amianta)) pribbys are very delicate and thin shelled. The spiral ribs of this species tend to be very fine and the overall shape is very inflated.
Neptunea sp.	Corded neptune	This fairly common species is rarely found alive in the intertidal zone, but dead shells may be common in the drift. This was the species thought to be Neptunea lyrata for over 200 years until Gmelin's type of that species was rediscovered and found to be another species (see notes under N. lyrata). This species is probably undescribed. Unlike N. lyrata this species has very strong, regular spiral cords that are often darker than the shell. The interior is white rather than the brown seen in N. lyrata. This species lays its egg capsules in a flat row rather than in a tall column as does N. lyrata.