Neverita duplicata (Say, 1822) Shark Eye

    Upon initial discovery, it appeared that two partially buried Neverita specimens were sharing the same burrow (top image below), and the thought of mating snails came to mind. Upon further investigation it was determined that what appeared to be a second specimen (below image right) was in fact the expanded foot of the specimen on the left, and, while two specimens were in fact present, the smaller of the two (bottom image) had been fully enveloped by the larger specimens foot and was likely in the process of being devoured. Although evidence of Neverita cannibalism has been seen previously (see: Neverita duplicata (Say, 1822) Drill Holes), this is the first time that this reporter has observed such behavior.

Neverita duplicata (Say, 1822) Shark Eye

Neverita duplicata (Say, 1822) Shark Eye

    Mayport Naval Station Beach, Duval County, Florida 2/5/2007. The larger of the two specimens was about 25 mm. in length.