Crypsis
S. luhuanus lacks any major crypsis or camouflage, and is quite conspicuous within its sandy habitats (figure 1). However, its shell is similar in appearance to that of a cone shell. Whether this is an actual case of mimicry or not, it can pose as a defensive strategy. To the untrained eye, one may think that it is a cone shell and avoid it, meaning that it has protection from some humans. Whether or not this is the same case towards other organisms in the marine environment is unknown. The eyes of S. luhuanus can mimic that of higher organisms, which can deter other organisms away (Savazzi, 1991).
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Figure 1: Two S. luhuanus individuals in the field, not quite blending into their surroundings |
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