What is wentletrap shell?

The wentletrap shell, also known as the staircase shell or the ladder horn, is a marine gastropod shell. It belongs to a family called Epitoniidae, which includes around 300 species of shells found in tropical and subtropical waters. The name "wentletrap" comes from the Old Dutch word "wenteltrap" which means spiral staircase.

The wentletrap shell is easily recognizable by its tall, slender, and elongated shape, and it has a distinctive spiral structure with sharp whorls arranged in a staircase pattern. It is usually white or beige in color and can grow up to 10 centimeters in length.

The wentletrap shell is an active predator that feeds on other small molluscs, especially bivalves and other gastropods. Its long and narrow shape makes it easier for the shell to search for prey in narrow crevices and on hard surfaces.

Wentletrap shells are popular among collectors and are often used for decorative purposes. They are also sometimes used in the jewelry industry to make necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. However, over-collecting and habitat destruction have led to a decrease in populations of these shells in some areas, making them rare and vulnerable.