Nassarius mendicus

The Lean Basket-Whelk.

Phylum Mollusca
Class Gastropoda
Order Neogastropda
Family Nassariidae
Genus Nassarius
Species mendicus

Description: May reach height of 2 cm; color gray to brown.; shell shape long and conical; 7 to 8 whorls with low spiral ridges which are intersected by fine axial ribs.

Habitat: Found on rocks and water-logged wood in protected areas and quiet bays, from mid-intertidal to low-tide lines.

Natural History: They are active scavengers that feed on dead animal mattter, mussels and barnacles. Their empty shells are used by hermit crabs as homes. We found these whelks at all of our collecting areas from The Evergreen State College beach to Tacoma.