Common Nutmeg

Shell size up to 48 mm; shell solid, with 4-6 whorls slightly angled at shoulder. Typically sculptured with axial ribs and spiral cords of about same thickness, giving shell reticulated appearance. Suture well-impressed. Aperture relatively large. Columella with 3-4 strong pleats. Color white to pale orange with bands of rust-brown. Albino shells are not uncommon in Southwest Florida. The picture of the living nutmeg was taken by Amy Tripp on Kice Island, Collier County, in 2010. The juvenile shell, measuring about 3 mm, was collected by Kimberly Nealon on Captiva. The protoconch, or larval shell, can be seen on top of the juvenile shell.