About Cancellaria reticulata (Linnaeus, 1767)
The common nutmeg, Cancellaria reticulata (Linnaeus, 1767), has a shell that reaches a maximum length of 2.5 inches. The shell surface is rough: numerous spiral cords cross many axial ribs, creating a lattice or beaded pattern. The aperture is elongated and ends in a short canal. The inner margin of the aperture bears two strong, thin spiral ridges that extend into the opening, with the upper ridge being stronger than the lower one. This species has no operculum. The shell is colored in cream tints, with banded or splotched patterns of orange or brown. Cancellaria reticulata is distributed in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina to Brazil. It can also be found in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Lesser Antilles. This species inhabits offshore waters. Empty shells of the common nutmeg are occasionally washed up onto ocean beaches.
