Waxy Latirus Shell, Leucozonia cerata

Waxy Latirus Shell, Leucozonia cerata. Shell collected off the beach in the greater Cabo San Lucas area, Baja California Sur, July 2009. Size: 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) x 1.9 cm (0.7 inches).

Phylogeny: The Waxy Latirus Shell, Leucozonia cerata (W. Wood, 1828), is a gastropod mollusk that is a member of the Fasciolariidae Family of Spindle, Horse Conchs and Tulip Shells. The genus Leucozonia is one of sixty-eight genera in this family, and there are eight species in this genus.

Description: Waxy Latirus Shells are medium-sized, solid shells, which consist of six to seven whorls. They have a large body whorl and a high spire. They are sculpted with strong axial ribs, which form knobs where they cross the tops of the whorls. They also have fine spiral cords. The aperture is wide at the top and tapers sharply toward the canal. The inside lip of the aperture is curved and marked with 3-4 folds.  The anterior siphon canal is moderately long and wide open. The exterior of the shell is yellowish-brown or brown with the knobs being whitish. The interior is bluish-white to white. They have a dark brown periostracum. The living animal is pink to red in color. Waxy Latirus Shells reach a maximum of 9.0 cm (3.5 inches) in length and 4.5 cm (1.8 inches) in height.

Habitat and Distribution: Waxy Latirus’ may be found on rocks or on sand or mud substrates between rocks in the intertidal zone, and at depths up to 20 m (65 feet). They are a subtropical to tropical Eastern Pacific species that are found in all Mexican waters of the Pacific Ocean with the exception that they are absent from north of Bahía de Los Ángeles, Baja California, along the central and northwest coasts of the Baja Peninsula.

Ecology and Behavior: Waxy Latirus’ are a poorly studied and understood species. Their diet, predation, reproduction or ecosystem interactions have not been documented. Other species in the Fasciolariidae Family are predatory carnivores that feed on barnacles, mollusks, and worms. They are gonochoric and reproduce sexually, with internal fertilization. The eggs are laid in protective capsules. These shells are known to host the Pea Crab,  Mesotheres unguifalcula. The nature of this relationship is uncertain, but it is thought to be commensal.  Other engagements in any type of commensal, parasitic, or symbiotic relationship has not been formally documented. From a conservation perspective they have not been formally evaluated. However, they are fairly common with a relatively wide distribution and should be consider to be of Least Concern.

Synonyms: Murex cerata.