Dove Snail (also known as Doveshell)
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, Family: Columbellidae, Genus: Costellaria, Species: Costellaria militaris · Columbellidae (Dove snail family) · Gastropod (univalve) whole shell, spiral shape
Species
Costellaria militaris or related Mitridae/Columbellidae species
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve) whole shell, spiral shape
Family
Columbellidae (Dove snail family)
Size
Approximately 0.5 inches (12-15 mm) in length. This is an average size for adult dwarf miters or dove snails, which typically range from 0.3 to 0.8 inches.
Color & Pattern
Warm beige to light tan base color with subtle brownish axial flames or banding along the whorls. The colors appear natural and slightly weathered.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found in shallow marine waters, typically inhabiting sandy substrates, under coral rubble, or among algae in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones.
Geographic Range
Widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical waters, commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region as well as warm Western Atlantic shallows.
Description
A small, elegant spindle-shaped shell featuring a high spire, distinct axial ribs, and a narrow, elongated aperture. The surface exhibits fine sculptural ridges running along the whorls, giving it a textured, classic micromollusk appearance.
Key Features
Elongated fusiform shape, distinct axial ribbing along the spire whorls, and a narrow outer lip that may show slight thickening.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value. While popular among micro-shell collectors and shell crafters, they are commonly found and generally traded in bulk rather than as individual high-value specimens.
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor natural wear on the apex. The shell is intact with natural coloration preserved, grading as a Fine collector specimen.
Interesting Facts
Despite their diminutive size, dove snails are active marine scavengers and carnivores that feed on microscopic detritus and small organic matter on the seafloor.
Ecological Role
Plays an important role in the nearshore marine food web as a scavenger and prey item for small crabs, fish, and carnivorous mollusks.
Similar Species
Other members of the family Columbellidae and Mitridae (such as dwarf miters), which can be distinguished by subtle differences in columellar folds and aperture shape.
Beach Finding Tips
Best found by sifting through shell drift lines on high-tide wrack lines or examining fine shell grit collected from tropical sandy beaches.