Worm Shell Cluster

I came across my worm shell cluster in the top of one of my potted plants.
I picked this up this little grouping of shells on a Florida beach and instead of keeping it in a jar, I added it as a decorative piece of nature to my potted lily. I came across it when I moved the half-dead lily outside for some fresh air and I decided to get some pictures to share here.

It also prompted me to learn more about the worm shell.

Many Worm Shells

Worm shells are made by snails, not worms, and are given the name “worm shells” because their coiled shells resemble worms. This site has great close-up photos of the tiny snails that inhabit this type of shell.

This group is called the “Variable Worm Shell” and lives attached to rocks or other shells in colonies. My reference book, the National Audubon Society’s Field Guide to Shells
National Audubon Society’s Field Guide to Shells , says that their coloring is usually from orange to brown and purplish-brown, and the one I have is white looking from being bleached by the sun.

Openings in the cluster

My piece is small, only about 2.5 inches long, but large specimens, measuring 2 feet across, have been found living off the western Florida coast.
This type of worm shell can be found from Florida to Brazil.
On the western United States, look for the Scaly Worm Shell, and Monterey Worm Shell.