Eclogavena quadrimaculata

Lore & Background

The shells of Eclogavena quadrimaculata are cylindrical and can reach a size of 14 to 36 mm. Their surface may be whitish, pale grey, or pale blue, adorned with many small brown flecks and two large, rather triangular dark brown spots at each end—hence the common name and the Latin species name quadrimaculata. The underside is completely white or pale yellowish. The teeth are raised, not coloured, and spread right across the base up to the margin. The living animal has a dark brown or black mantle with small white or pinkish spots.

Two subspecies are recognized: Eclogavena quadrimaculata quadrimaculata and Eclogavena quadrimaculata thielei. This species is found in Australia (Northern Territory and Queensland) and the Philippines, where it occurs under rocks and among coral rubble.

Reader's Guide

Eclogavena quadrimaculata is a well-defined cowry species distinguished by its four-spotted pattern, which makes it readily identifiable among related cowries. Its presence in both Australian and Philippine waters indicates a relatively broad Indo-Pacific distribution, though it is not recorded from many other regions. The species has been documented in multiple malacological works, including monographs on the family Cypraeidae and comprehensive guides to world cowries. The two recognized subspecies reflect minor morphological variation across its range. The four-spotted cowry contributes to the understanding of cowry diversity in tropical marine environments, particularly in coral rubble and rocky habitats where it is typically found. Its distinctive appearance has made it a subject of interest in both taxonomic studies and shell collecting.

Did You Know?

• The species name quadrimaculata means 'four-spotted', referring to the two large dark spots at each end of the shell.
• Shells range in size from 14 to 36 mm.