Shell of the Week: The Dall Wentletrap Revisited

Cirsotrema dalli Rehder, 1945 can reach more than 30 mm (about 1.2 inches). It has a chalky shell surface with ribs and a background pattern of spiral cords, with about 2-3 thicker ribs per whorl. Species in this genus display an outer shell layer called intritacalx, which easily wears off in older shells. The Dall Wentletrap is more commonly found in deeper water. The species is rarely found on Sanibel and Captiva,

The Dall Wentletrap, Cirsotrema dalli, from the Dry Tortugas. Photos by James F. Kelly.

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