Kingdom Animalia Class Gastropoda Clade Hypsogastropoda Rank Species | Phylum Mollusca Clade Caenogastropoda Clade Neogastropoda | |
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Similar Conus vittatus, Conus encaustus, Conus venulatus, Conus marchionatus, Conus taeniatus | ||
Conus vautieri, common name Vautier's cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.
Contents
Like all species within the genus Conus, these snails are predatory and venomous. They are capable of "stinging" humans, therefore live ones should be handled carefully or not at all.
Taxonomic relation
Conus vautieri was originally named as a subspecies of Conus pulicarius Hwass in Bruguière, 1792, but has been recognized as a valid species, alternative representation in the genus Puncticulis.
Description
The size of the shell varies between 27 mm and 75 mm. The spire is tuberculate. The sides of the body whorl are nearly direct. The color of the shell is white, with chestnut spots, overlaid here and there by lighter chestnut clouds.
Distribution
This species occurs in the Pacific Ocean off the Marquesas and New Caledonia.