Frilled Dogwinkle
ExploreInvertebrate
Frilled Dogwinkle
nucella lamellosa
The Frilled Dogwinkle is a fun sea snail with a frilly shell! It loves to crawl on rocky shores and can be found in tidal pools.
Habitat: Rocky coastal areas and tidal pools
Appearance
The Frilled Dogwinkle has a thick, spiral shell adorned with prominent, wavy frills or ridges that can be white, grey, yellow, orange, or brown. Its wide aperture often reveals a yellowish or purplish interior, making it visually distinct from smoother, plainer snails.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderNeogastropodaFamilyMuricidaeGenusNucella
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Female Frilled Dogwinkles lay their eggs in tall, vase-shaped capsules.
Its shell color can vary greatly even within the same tide pool!
Some Frilled Dogwinkles drill and eat as many as three barnacles a day!
They use a ribbon-like tongue, called a radula, covered in tiny teeth to feed.
Special abilities
Ability
Shell Driller
Frilled Dogwinkle can drill perfect holes into prey shells because of its radula and acid, helping them access soft bodies inside.
Ability
Sticky Foot Power
Frilled Dogwinkle has a muscular foot that can create strong suction, allowing it to cling tightly to rocks against powerful waves.
Ability
Purple Defense Ink
Frilled Dogwinkle can produce a purple dye because of specialized glands, which may deter predators or be a waste product.
Ability
Wave Rider Shell
Frilled Dogwinkle has a sturdy, ridged shell that helps it withstand crashing waves and protects it from predators.
Measurements & details
- Average Weight
- 10 g
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Average Shell Length
- 4.5 cm
Diet & Feeding
This sea snail munches on tasty barnacles and mussels by drilling through their hard shells.
Primary Foods
- Barnacles
- Mussels
- Limpets
- Small clams
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eats
Acorn Barnacle
Balanus glandula
Drills shell to consume soft parts.
eats
Blue Mussel
Mytilus edulis
A primary food source drilled for sustenance.
eaten by
Ochre Sea Star
Pisaster ochraceus
A significant predator in tide pools.
eaten by
Red Rock Crab
Cancer productus
Crushes shells to eat the snail inside.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
Colorful DogwinkleFrilly SnailRocky Snail
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Frilled Dogwinkle weigh?
10 g
How long does Frilled Dogwinkle live?
5 years
What does Frilled Dogwinkle eat?
This sea snail munches on tasty barnacles and mussels by drilling through their hard shells.
Where is Frilled Dogwinkle usually found?
Rocky coastal areas and tidal pools
How does Frilled Dogwinkle hunt?
Pursuit
What is the average Shell Length of Frilled Dogwinkle?
4.5 cm
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
Where to spot
Park99 sightings10 species
British Columbia, CA
Sandwell Provincial Park
You might spot Ochre Sea Star, Fringe Cups, and Moonglow Anemone.
View guide →
Park23 sightings7 species
Washington, US
Myrtle Edwards Park
You might spot Ochre Sea Star, Purple Shore Crab, and Strawberry Tree.
View guide →
Park5 sightings3 species
Washington, US
Kitsap Memorial State Park
You might spot Red Valerian, Ocean Spray, and Yellow Shore Crab.
View guide →
