the wreath, in zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of vermes taifaces. The animal is of the snail kind; the shell consists of one spiral solid valve, and the aperture is orbicular. There are 116 species; of which the most remarkable are, 1. The luteus, or periwinkle. This is abundant on most rocks far above low-water mark. The Swedish peasants believe, that when these shells creep high up the rocks, they indicate a storm from the south. They are eaten by the poor people in most parts of this kingdom. Young lobsters are said to take up their lodging in the empty shells of these animals, which has given occasion to a notion that periwinkles are changed into lobsters. 2. The clathrus, or barbed wreath, has a taper shell of eight spires, distinguished by elevated divisions running from the aperture to the apex. There is a variety pellucid, with very thin edges. It is analogous to that curious and expensive shell, the escutelle-trap.