oyster drill

snail

Also known as: Urosalpinx cinenea

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The oyster drill is a type of snail that preys on oysters. It is also referred to as a drill. This snail drills a small hole through the oyster's shell and then consumes the oyster's internal tissues.12

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oyster
The oyster drill (Urosalpinx cinenea), a widely occurring snail, drills a tiny hole through the oyster shell, then sucks out the living tissue.
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The oyster drill (Urosalpinx cinenea), a widely occurring snail, drills a tiny hole through the oyster shell, then sucks out the living tissue.
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murex
The oyster drill (Urosalpinx cinerea) and dwarf tritons (genus Ocenebra) are pests in oyster beds. Drupes (Drupa, Acanthina) are colourful Indo-Pacific shells. Dogwinkles or dog whelks (Nucella) resemble periwinkles and feed on mussels and barnacles.
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The oyster drill (Urosalpinx cinerea) and dwarf tritons (genus Ocenebra) are pests in oyster beds. Drupes (Drupa, Acanthina) are colourful Indo-Pacific shells. Dogwinkles or dog whelks (Nucella) resemble periwinkles and feed on mussels and barnacles.
Read More