This week, while walking along the swash zone of the beach, I encountered a fascinating marine creature: The auger snail. This gastropod, known for its unique appearance, is named for its resemblance to an auger bit, a tool used for drilling holes. With about 150 species around the world, only seven are found in Texas, making these snails a relatively rare sight in the state.
Auger snails are typically found in sandy, shallow intertidal areas, where they thrive in the swash zone, the area where the waves break and retreat. These snails tend not to burrow deeply—most species dig no deeper than the length of their shell, preferring to stay in the top layers of sand. The snails I found this week were at the surface of the sand, leaving trails in the wet sand at low tide. They are carnivorous, feeding primarily on polychaete worms and young clams, using their specialized radula (a tooth-like structure) to scrape their prey.
The snails’ shells come in a range of colors, from brown and pink to white, often decorated with subtle patterns. A distinctive feature of auger snails is their operculum, a hard, plate-like covering that seals the opening of the shell when the snail retreats inside, protecting it from predators and environmental threats.
Two species of auger snails I found this week, Marylee’s auger and Salle’s auger, are often found together in the swash zone. These snails are not only intriguing to observe but are also an important part of the coastal ecosystem. While they may be small, they contribute to controlling populations of marine invertebrates in the sand.
Though their appearance may suggest otherwise, these snails are edible—though you’d likely need a good recipe and a keen sense of adventure to make the most of them. The next time you’re at the beach, take a closer look at the sand: you may spot one of these unique, spiral-shaped creatures.
The tides should be moderate this weekend, with low tides in the early afternoons—a perfect time for beachcombing after lunch time.
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