Auger Shells
Family: Terebridae. These long, slender and smooth shells feature many whorls and color variations. Augers are carnivores and dwell in the sands of warm waters. There are 270 species in this family. Some Auger shells have barbed radular teeth and secrete a mild poison to subdue their prey. Once paralyzed, their victim is consumed whole. Their most deadly enemy is the sand-dwelling box crab. These crab uses their pincers to clip back the thick lip of the shell to get at the soft animal's insides. Interesting Facts: On many islands, augers were attached to sticks for weapons and many are still used as darts for blow guns
