About Pteropurpura trialata (G.B.Sowerby II, 1834)
This species of sea snail has the scientific name Pteropurpura trialata (G.B.Sowerby II, 1834), and is commonly called the three-winged murex. The shell of this species can reach a maximum length of 93 mm (3.7 in). The shell has a fusiform shape and is fairly thick, with a spire angle of 40 to 42 degrees. Its protoconch consists of one and a half smooth, conical whorls, while its teleoconch has eight moderately convex whorls. Each whorl of the teleoconch has three elaborately sculptured varices, which are thickened protruding ridges. Between nine and twelve fluted cords extend out onto these varices. The three-winged murex is found in the semi-tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, with a natural range that stretches from northern California, through Baja California, to Mexico.
