An unusual phenomenon observed in Epitonium clathratulum (Kanmacher, 1797) (Prosobranchia: Epitoniidae): live snails becoming separated from their shells

Data are presented relative to an epidemic die-off of wentletraps, Epitonium clathratulum, under aquarium conditions. Snails, each connected to the end of a self-produced elastic filament uniting a bunch of egg capsules, were observed to become separated from their shells, implicating detachment/atrophy of the columellar muscle. This phenomenon, as well as the die-off itself might represent a normal post-reproductive event, E. clathratulum possibly being an annual species.