(Michaud, 1828)
Description (shell):
Shell similar to that of Raphitoma linearis . Elongate, markedly cyrtoconoid, profile turreted, with eight or nine tumid whorls; sutures deep, sinuous, with shelf-like, minutely granular subsutural band. Costae and spiral striae on last whorl more numerous (14-17 costae, up to 25 spirals) than in Raphitoma linearis ; spiral striae slightly expanded where they cross costae. Aperture broadly oval with short, wide siphonal canal and shallow anal sinus; no sharp inflexion of outer lip at junction with canal; outer lip thickened internally in older shells but without row of teeth.
Size:
Up to 15 x 6 mm.
Colour:
Light horn coloured, often with chestnut-brown spiral striae; reddish brown patches may be evident, particularly on last whorl; first whorl of protoconch white.
Animal:
Body like in other Raphitoma species: each tentacle with an eye half way along it, distal half narrower than the basal. In active animals the siphon projects far from the siphonal canal. Foot narrow and pointed behind with a deep embayment anteriorly. Colour yellowish.
Habitat:
Quite common on sandy, shelly and stony bottoms; LWST to 150 m.
Distribution:
Distributed from Mediterranean to northern Norway; absent from southern North Sea and east Channel (Distr. R. leufroyi).