Dog Whelk
Nucella lapillus
What do they look like?
Dog whelks have a spiralling, conical shell that can be one (or more) of a variety of colours, ranging from grey or white to brown, orange or yellow. The animal living inside this shell is white with dark speckles, but it is very unlikely that you will see it.
Where can I find them in Scotland?
Dog whelks can be found from the mid shore downwards on rocky shores. They are most abundant in areas where there are many oysters and mussels, which are their main food source. You might also find their yellowish egg capsules attached to rocks and other hard surfaces beneath overhangs or within crevices.