What is a wentletrap?

Question

I think it lives in the ocean?

Answer 1

Wentletraps are a family (Epitoniidae) of marine gastropods (snails) with heavily ribbed shells. Most of them are white in color, and some of them quite beautiful. There are over 200 species of wentletraps. They are popular with seashell collectors. Some species are parasitic on sea anemones.

http://www.naplesseashellcompany.com/wentletrap.jpg

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Answer 2

Yes, it lives in the ocean. They are my favorite shells. Let me get a little technical first. They belong to the superfamily of Epitonioidea, and the family of Epitoniidae. There are many genera and species. They are found world-wide in shallow water and around soft corals and sea anemones. The sculpture shell is beautiful (The name wentletrap is a German word meaning 'Spiral Staircase. The most famous is the 'precious wentletrap' which was very valuable previously and the price was in the $1000s of dollars. The latin name is Epitonium scalare. When full grown they are about 2 1/2" long and have a creamy color and were first described by Linnaeus in 1758. They are found from about 80 feet down to 1,600 feet. They range from Japan to Australia. I have three in my collection. A similar species is Epitonium perplexa from Japan but it is not as nice as the scalare. I collected mine in the South China Sea. If you want a photo, email me, and we will hook up. Now specimens are available rather cheaply for a few dollars but they are beautiful shells.

Answer 3

SYLLABICATION: wen·tle·trap
PRONUNCIATION: wntl-trp
NOUN: Any of various marine snails of the family Epitoniidae, having a tapering, usually white spiral shell.
ETYMOLOGY: Dutch wenteltrap, spiral staircase, wentletrap, from Middle Dutch wendeltrappe : wendel, winding (from wenden, to wind) + trappe, stairs


hope this helps! and next time, just google it- you'll get in answer in like 30 seconds and you wont have to use any points!

~Alicia