Wentletrap (English spelling)

Japanese: イトカケガイ(糸掛貝) - イトカケガイ（英語表記）wentletrap

A general term for gastropods of the Epitoniidae family, most of which have white shells with ribs on the top of the coils that look like vertical threads. There are about 100 species found in Japan. The giant Epitonium scalare (illustration) is particularly large, measuring 5.5 cm in height and 3.3 cm in width, with white shells, strong plate-like ribs on the shell surface, a small gap between the coils, and a round, black lid. It is considered the most graceful of shells, as described in an ancient book as "pure and beautiful, difficult to paint by heaven."

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

イトカケガイ科Epitoniidaeの巻貝の総称で，殻は多くは白色で巻きの上の肋が糸を縦にかけたようになっているのでこの名がある。日本産約100種。とくにオオイトカケガイEpitonium scalare（イラスト）は大型で高さ5.5cm，太さ3.3cmもあり，白色，殻表の肋が強く板状で，巻きと巻きの間は少し離れており，ふたはまるく黒い。古書に〈清麗，天工画書し難し〉とあるように貝類中もっとも優美な種とされている。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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