Like a lion's claws drawn out to lunge at you, the Voluta imperialis boasts a face that is as intimidating as it is striking. Powerful curved, hollow spines fan out to surround an elongated, dome-shaped "nose", giving this handsome shell the look of commanding royalty, hence the name the Imperial Volute.
Voluta imperialis belong to a Family of shells called the Volutes, specifically the Family Volutidae. In Latin, the word "Voluta" means "spiral scroll." See how the Imperialis' whorls seem to curl delicately like parchment paper in a scholarly scroll? But it's not just being scroll-ly that Volutes are called such. It's all thanks to the heavy, distinctive markings they all sport on their spiral shells that set the Volutes apart from the rest; a feature that also makes the Voluta imperialis the Crown Prince among the Volutes.
With a base that's smooth to the touch, and creamy to orange-y in color, this handsome beauty boasts of a stunning, elaborate pattern on its spiral shell that makes it prized by many collectors. Small zig-zag lines meet into rich brown triangles that form large bands around its body, capping off into a face that looks as fierce as it is delicate. A true design feat by Mother Nature. The Imperial Volute of the Philippines (Aulica) imperialis for example, is one particularly popular item. These beauties can be found in the Southern area of the archipelago.
Basic stats: These shells can weigh about 1.76 lbs, measure 9", 5.5" and 4.5" length, width and height, respectively.
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| the Imperial Nose Galore |
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| The Royal Stance |
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