Conus scalptus

Conus scalptus is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.^[2][3]

Conus scalptus
Drawing of a shell of Conus scalptus
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Subclass:	Caenogastropoda
Order:	Neogastropoda
Superfamily:	Conoidea
Family:	Conidae
Genus:	Conus
Species:	C. scalptus
Binomial name
Conus scalptus Reeve, 1843
Synonyms[2]
Conus (Phasmoconus) scalptus Reeve, 1843 · accepted, alternate representation Phasmoconus scalptus (Reeve, 1843)

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.

Description

Conus scalptus is a small (16–45 mm) and has a medium weight. The shell is turbinated with convex sides, rather solid, polished, grooved towards the base. Its color is whitish, with numerous hair-like, light brown, revolving lines. The protoconch is dirty white. The spire is spirally striated, rather elevated, with a sharp apex. Its color is variegated with chestnut. There are 6-7 post nuclear whorls with 2-4 incised spiral grooves on the inner side of each whorl.^[4]

Distribution

Most true Conus scalptus appear to be from the Philippines, designated as type locality by Filmer (2011).;^[3] off Papua New Guinea.