Pronunciation: [dˈɒɡwɛlk] (IPA) 
The word "Dogwhelk" is spelled with the letters D-O-G-W-H-E-L-K. Its pronunciation, written in IPA phonetic transcription, is /dɒɡwɛlk/. The "o" is pronounced as in "dog", the "e" as in "get", the "w" as in "wet", the "h" as in "hot", the "l" as in "like", and the "k" as in "kite". The term refers to a predatory sea snail that feeds on other mollusks, and it is commonly found in the intertidal zone of rocky shores.
A dogwhelk refers to a marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Naticidae. Characterized by its spiral shell with a pointed apex, the dogwhelk is commonly found in coastal waters and intertidal zones across the globe, particularly in temperate regions. Typically measuring between 2.5 to 4 cm in length, this predatory snail exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males.
Featuring a radula, a specialized feeding organ, the dogwhelk primarily feeds on barnacles by drilling into their shells to extract the soft tissues. Its predatory nature makes it an important member of the marine ecosystem, controlling barnacle populations and influencing intertidal community dynamics. The dogwhelk's coiled and ribbed shell offers protection from predation, environmental stress, and desiccation since it can seal its aperture using a tough operculum when withdrawn inside.
Dogwhelks are known for their ability to change shell color and pattern to blend with their surroundings, aiding in camouflage and protection from predators. Their shell colors range from white to various shades of brown, grey, and even orange. While the dogwhelk primarily lives in saltwater habitats, it can also be found in brackish waters, residing on rocks, rock pools, and sandy or muddy substrates. As a species that plays an important functional role in coastal ecosystems, the dogwhelk contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of marine communities.
The word "Dogwhelk" can be broken down into two components: "dog" and "whelk".
The term "dog" in this context does not refer to the animal, but rather comes from the Middle English word "dogge", which means "a small shellfish". It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "docce" or "docga". Over time, the term "dog" came to be associated with certain types of small marine creatures, including specific species of mollusks.
The word "whelk" refers to a type of predatory sea snail. It originated from the Old English word "weoloc" or "wheoloc", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "weluka". The term "whelk" has been used to describe various species of sea snails that are carnivorous and feed on other mollusks.
