Interrupted Cone
The particular specimen that I painted in
watercolor is in my personal shell collection. Named for the interrupted brown lines that whorl
around the shell from top to bottom on a white or cream-colored background
interspersed with faint bands of peach, the Interrupted Cone, Conus
interruptus, ranges from the Gulf of California to Peru. It is
one of many species within a genus of medium-sized to large, sophisticated
predatory sea snails with the common names of cone shells or cones.
Resist picking up these beautiful
seashells. If the animal is still alive, it can be dangerous. Many
of the cones are deadly with no known antidote to counteract the venom.
Because of this very characteristic, however, they are being studied
for medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes (e.g., pain blockers, cancer
applications). The original watercolor
is in a private collection but limited edition prints and note cards
are available.
Click here for availability
and price. |