Habitat: Found in sandy/muddy substrates of marine environments of the southeastern parts of North America including Florida and the Gulf states.

The lightning whelk is well adapted to preying on marine bivalves such as oysters and clams by using its muscular “foot” or gastropodia in combination with it's hard shell to pry open it's prey and insert its radula and proboscis to began feeding on the soft tissue of its prey.

Lightning whelk are not listed as a threatened or endangered species. e.Considered a treasure to shell collectors for its striking “lightning” stripped pattern, the lightning whelk are often harvested for their shells or for use in aquariums.

Bans on live harvest and collection vary from county to county. Collection of empty shells and harvest of live organisms is discouraged state wide (FL).