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The '''whelk''' or '''buckie''' is a large marine [[gastropod]] ([[snail]]) found in temperate waters.  Whelks are sometimes confused with [[conch|conches]]. While both are gastropods they differ in shell morphology with whelks having smaller more slender shells while conch typically have a broader shell with more exaggerated knobs, Also conchs tend to be more [[tropical]] [[vegetarians]] while whelks are [[carnivorous]] and [[temperate]].  

The '''whelk''' or '''buckie''' is a large marine [[gastropod]] ([[snail]]) found in temperate waters.  Whelks are sometimes confused with [[conch|conches]]. While both are gastropods, they differ in [[shell]] morphology, with whelks having smaller more slender shells while conch typically have a broader shell with more exaggerated knobs. Also, conches tend to be more [[tropical]] [[vegetarians]], while whelks are [[carnivorous]] and [[temperate]].  

Whelks are [[scavengers]] and [[carnivores]], equipped with an extensible [[proboscis]] that is tipped with a file-like [[radula]]. The radula is used to bore holes through the shells of [[clam]]s, [[crabs]] and [[lobster|lobsters]]. They also have a large, muscular foot with which they hold their victims. Like other [[mollusk]]s, whelks have a [[mantle (mollusc)|mantle]], a thin layer of tissue located between the body and the shell that creates the shell. Whelks build their hard shells from the [[calcium carbonate]] they extract from the seas. The shells can grow up to 9.5 inches (24 cm) long.  

Whelks are [[scavengers]] and [[carnivores]], equipped with an extensible [[proboscis]] that is tipped with a file-like [[radula]]. The radula is used to bore holes through the shells of [[clam]]s, [[crabs]] and [[lobster|lobsters]]. They also have a large, muscular foot with which they hold their victims. Like other [[mollusk]]s, whelks have a [[mantle (mollusc)|mantle]], a thin layer of tissue located between the body and the shell that creates the shell. Whelks build their hard shells from the [[calcium carbonate]] they extract from the seas. The shells can grow up to 9.5 inches (24 cm) long.  

Whelk shells are generally light grey to tan, often having brown and white streaks. The shells coil dextrally (right-handed, or in a clockwise direction) and have a long siphonal canal. The shell shape of individual specimens may vary widely in both coloration and sculpture.   

Whelk shells are generally light grey to tan, often having brown and white streaks. The shells coil dextrally (right-handed, or in a clockwise direction) and have a long siphonal canal. The shell shape of individual specimens may vary widely in both coloration and sculpture.   

Whelk eggs, when they dry on the beach, become brittle, resembling a necklace stringed with medallion-shaped egg pouches.  These are sometimes referred to as a "mermaid's necklace".  They are abundant in Virginia Beach, [[Virginia]].

Whelk [[egg|eggs]], when they dry on the beach, become brittle, resembling a necklace stringed with medallion-shaped egg pouches.  These are sometimes referred to as a "mermaid's necklace".  They are abundant in Virginia Beach, [[Virginia]].

The [[knobbed whelk]], ''Busycon carica'', is the second-largest species, ranging up to 12 in. (40.6 cm). They have [[tubercle]]s (or spines) along the shoulder. Knobbed whelks eat clams. They open the clam with their hard shell and insert their long proboscis. Today the knobbed whelk is a common predator of the [[Foreshore|intertidal]] mudflats and can be found offshore to 26 fathoms (48 m). The [[channeled whelk]] is slightly smaller than the knobbed whelk and has a smooth shell with channels following the swirls at the top of the shell.  

The [[knobbed whelk]], ''Busycon carica'', is the second-largest species, ranging up to 12 in. (40.6 cm). They have [[tubercle]]s (or spines) along the shoulder. Knobbed whelks eat clams. They open the clam with their hard shell and insert their long proboscis. Today the knobbed whelk is a common predator of the [[Foreshore|intertidal]] mudflats and can be found offshore to 26 fathoms (48 m). The [[channeled whelk]] is slightly smaller than the knobbed whelk and has a smooth shell with channels following the swirls at the top of the shell.  

*Whelks are classified in various families in the infraorder [[Neogastropoda]].

*Whelks are classified in various families in the infraorder [[Neogastropoda]].

[[Category:Molluscs]]

[[Category:Molluscs]]