Sundial Shells - Architestonica Perspectiva - 1 - 2 inches - Philippines

Sundial Shells - Architestonica Perspectiva - 1 - 2 inches - Philippines. ARCHITESTONICA PERSPECTIVA is the scientific name Named for its perfectly round shape and striking spiral pattern, the Sundial shell is rare due to its deep-water habitat. The shell can be found in tropical waters and features a flattened structure with intricate designs. Staircase or sundial shells "Architectonicidae" have a world-wide distribution in warm-temperate to tropical waters. They dwell in shallow sandy areas and are usually seen at night, but are rarely found on the shore. They are a gorgeous and colorful species and are fairly unique in being having noticeably flattened, disc or cone-shaped shells. Perspective sundial shell (Architectonica perspectiva) The Architectonica perspectiva, common name the clear or perspective sundial shell. Owes its name to the sundial, an instrument for measuring the time based on the detection of the position of the sun. The cone-like shell coils up from a flat base. Their spirals are composed of vibrant shades of black, white, and brown. Once common throughout most of their range, they are now much less common due to uncontrolled shell collecting and destruction of their habitat through development and other activities such as dynamite fishing and dredging. Scientific Name Architectonicidae Class Gastropoda Types of Sundial Shell 140+ species include: Architectonica karsteni, variegated sundial shell, partridge sundial snail