Button Snail / Button Shell
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Littorinimorpha, Family: Naticidae, Genus: Neverita, Species: Neverita duplicata · Naticidae (Moon snail family) · Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, globular and depressed spiral shape
Species
Neverita duplicata
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, globular and depressed spiral shape
Family
Naticidae (Moon snail family)
Size
Approximately 0.5 inches (12-15 mm) in diameter, which is small to medium for this species; adults typically range from 1 to 2.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Pale creamy white base with subtle peachy-pink tones near the base. The colors appear somewhat weathered and sun-bleached. The apex shows a distinct button-like central nipple.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found primarily in shallow marine waters, sandy intertidal and subtidal zones down to moderate depths, burrowing just beneath the surface of sand flats.
Geographic Range
Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Massachusetts south along the US coast, through the Gulf of Mexico, and into parts of the Caribbean.
Description
A compact, sturdy, globular gastropod shell featuring a low spire and a characteristic prominent callus or 'button' filling the umbilicus. Its surface is smooth with fine growth lines, displaying a gentle combination of white and pastel peach hues.
Key Features
Low rounded spire, thick calcareous shell, smooth exterior, and a distinctive heavy central callus plug (umbilical pad) that fills the inner base.
Collector Value
Low to moderate value. Commonly collected by beachcombers and often used in shell crafts, though exceptionally large or vividly patterned specimens command more interest.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Shows signs of mild beach-wear with smoothed edges and surface weathering, but the structural integrity is intact with no major fractures.
Interesting Facts
Moon snails are predatory carnivores that drill smooth, countersunk holes into the shells of other bivalves using an acidic secretion and a rasping radula to feed on them.
Ecological Role
Acts as an active marine predator that helps regulate populations of bivalves and serves as part of the benthic food web for fish and larger predators.
Similar Species
Shark's Eye (Neverita lewisii), which is typically much larger and more robust, and various other moon snail species which differ in umbilicus structure.
Beach Finding Tips
Look along sandy beaches at low tide, especially in intertidal sand bars or where surf has washed up recent shell lines after a storm.