Category Archives: Identifying shells

The “Left-Handed” Florida Lightning Whelk

Posted on 09/03/2011 by

The lightning whelk shell (Busycon contrarium) is commonly found along the southern U.S. beaches from the Carolinas to Texas. It is the official state shell of Texas. I found mine on Sanibel Island where there were many (that were occupied) … Continue reading →

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Collecting the Popular Scallop Seashell

Posted on 07/23/2011 by

Which are the most popular seashells to collect?  I think it depends on where you are collecting your shells.  Not every type of shell is found on all beaches so if you are collecting in Maine you will find a … Continue reading →

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The Spotted Flamingo Tongue Mollusk

Posted on 05/26/2011 by

Sometimes a shell, living in the wild, will look very different than when it’s washed up empty on the beach. In the case of the Flamingo Tongue (Cyphoma gibbosum) snail, the coloring belongs to the animal while it’s alive.  The … Continue reading →

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The Demise of the Pink Conch

Posted on 05/17/2011 by

The Pink or Queen Conch (Strombus gigas), can grow to be a foot or more in length and has a smooth pink interior. The shell is in danger of disappearing because of its collection as a beautiful decoration and for … Continue reading →

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The State Shell of Florida

Posted on 04/27/2011 by

Surrounded by miles of beautiful beaches, when residents of the state of Florida decided to choose one type of mollusk as it’s state shell, I imagine that it was difficult. But in 1969 the Horse Conch won the title.  The … Continue reading →

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