Natica stellata is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Naticidae, the moon snails.
Description This species is similar in overall shape to Natica vitellus, but it differs markedly in coloration. The shell is a rich, saturated orange and is ornamented with spiral rows of white spots across the body whorl. A distinctive pink parietal callus forms a tongue-shaped extension that partially covers the posterior portion of the umbilicus.
The operculum is calcareous, white in colour, and bears two to three marginal ribs. An internal corneous operculum is attached to the foot along a central axis, while its margins remain free.
The radula is characterized by tricuspid rachidian teeth, with the two basal accessory cusps mounted on a broad basal shield. The lateral teeth are likewise tricuspid, whereas both the inner and outer marginal teeth are simple and unicuspid.
Distribution This species occurs in the Indo- West Pacific; also off Australia (Queensland)
References
Hollman M. (2008) Naticidae. In Poppe G.T. (ed.) Philippine marine mollusks, vol. 1: 482-501, pls 186-195. Hackenheim: Conchbooks. Zhang S.-P. [Suping]. (2016). Fauna Sinica. Invertebrata 56. Mollusca: Gastropoda: Strombacea and Naticacea. Beijing: Science Press. 317 pp., 10 pls. Saito, H. (2017). Family Naticidae. Pp. 858-866, in: T. Okutani (ed.), Marine Mollusks in Japan, ed. 2. 2 vols. Tokai University Press. 1375 pp.
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