The shell of Hastula raphanula varies in length from 30 mm to 80 mm and is characterized by its smooth, glossy surface and high, turreted shape with impressed sutures.[2] The shell often exhibits axial sculpturing of crenulations below the slender ribs, and some species may show very weak spiral lines. Hastula raphanula is a sand-dwelling snail that burrows into the sand no deeper than its length. It is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on polychaete worms.
The species was first described by Lamarck in 1822 and has several synonyms, including Duplicaria raphanula and Terebra raphanula. Hastula raphanula is part of a diverse genus that includes many other species of auger snails, each with unique characteristics and adaptations.
Bratcher T. & Cernohorsky W.O. (1987). Living terebras of the world. A monograph of the recent Terebridae of the world. American Malacologists, Melbourne, Florida & Burlington, Massachusetts. 240pp.
Sprague. 2004. Four New Species of Terebridae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from the Philippine Islands. Beagle 20 : 25-29
Terryn Y. (2007). Terebridae: A Collectors Guide. Conchbooks & NaturalArt. 59pp + plates.
Bouchet, P.; Fontaine, B. (2009). List of new marine species described between 2002-2006. Census of Marine Life.
