Encyclopedian Dictionary ( North Carolina Sea Shells ): Common Nutmeg Cancellaria reticulata (Linnaeus)

This shell came about from beach-combing,and a lady I met on the beach gave it to me. I've never found a common nutmeg shell before, so I had only one shell to share images of. This shell appears to match the shape, description and image found in the NC Sea Grant Seashell field guide.

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More common nutmeg images and further information

Gastropod
Mudsnail-Shaped - nutmegs (Cancellariidae)
Common Nutmeg Cancellaria reticulata (Linnaeus)
Description: (2 1/4 inches) Rough surface on shell. Many spiral cords across many axial ribs, resulting in a lattice or beaded pattern. Elongate aperture with short canal. Inner margin with two strong, thin spiral ridges running into aperture (upper ridge stronger than lower ridge). No operculum.
Color: Banded or splotched with cream and orange or brown.
Habitat: Lives offshore. Occasionally washed onto ocean beaches.
Range: North Carolina to Brazil.
Notes: This species is probably carnivorous because its radula is ideal for feeding on soft-bodied animals.Source: Seashells of North Carolina, North Carolina Sea Grant College Program

Some Common Coastal NC Species

Alternate Tellin, Tellina Alternata (Say)	Angelwing, Cyrtopleura costata (Linnaeus)	Atlantic or Eastern Auger, Terebra dislocata (Say)	Atlantic calico scallop, Argopecten gibbus (Linnaeus)	Common Nutmeg, Cancellaria reticulata (Linnaeus)
Cross Barred Venus, Chione cancellata (Linnaeus)	Fallen Angelwing, Atlantic Mud Piddock, Barnea truncata (Say)	False Angelwing, Petricola pholadiformis (Lamarck)	Humphrey Wentletrap, Epitonium humphreysii (Kiener)	Imperial Venus, Chione latilirata (Conrad)
Cayenne keyhole limpet, Diodora cayenensis (Larmarck)	Keyhole Sand Dollar, Mellita quiquiesperforata (Leske, 1778)	Lettered Olive, Oliva sayana (Ravenel)

Common Nutmeg Cancellaria reticulata (Linnaeus)

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Some Common Coastal NC Species