All printables
Dog Whelk — printable fact sheet
Free to print or save as PDF. Great for classrooms, homeschooling, and young explorers.
Creature Atlas
Animal Fact Sheet
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
Dog Whelk
Nucella lapillus
The Dog Whelk is a marine gastropod mollusk commonly found along rocky shores in the North Atlantic. It boasts a sturdy, spiral shell that varies in color from white and grey to brown and purple, and typically grows up to 4 cm long. This predatory snail is best known for drillin…
Did you know?
- Dog Whelks were historically harvested for their purple dye, valued in ancient times and used to color royal garments.
- Dog Whelks produce a powerful acid and a special enzyme to bore through the shells of their prey. Unlike many snails, they are highly tolerant of strong wave action and can survive in very exposed coastal areas. Their eggs are laid in distinctive vase-shaped capsules that are often seen attached to rocks in clusters.
What I learned
Draw the dog whelk
© Creature Atlas · www.creatureatlas.com · Free for classroom & personal use
Want the whole set?
Get printable fact-sheet packs, coloring pages, and classroom worksheet bundles for dozens of animals — ready to download and print.
Browse printable packsGet a free printable each week
Join the newsletter for a new Creature of the Week + printables.