Distinguishing Characteristics |
Gastropod (1 shell); shell spiral in shape, small, globose, smooth; color varies widely from olive and brown to red, black and purple, usually with black or white wavy lines or spots, pattern varies; body whorl large, takes up most of shell; spire low; aperture half-moon shaped; no siphonal canal; area next to aperture (parietal shelf) inflated, yellowish to white; 8-10 small teeth on inner edge of aperture (columella); operculum black with small, pointed hook at one end. |
Similar Species |
Other nerites in our area are greenish with no markings (emerald nerite) or have spiraling ribs (Antillean and four-toothed nerites). The olive nerite is brownish-green to brownish yellow with minute axial dark striations. |
Habitat |
Bay margins and grass flats |
Maximum Size |
1.2 cm (1/2 in) |
Other Common Names |
|
Previous Scientific Names |
|
Comments |