Hi Phil,

As common names go, the Tegula congeners (Trochidae) are called "turban
snails" in California.  Out here, "top" snails can refer to Turbinidae,
like Lithopoma, or to trochids, like Calliostoma.  I doubt DFG officials
make the distinction on a regular basis; I have a scientific collecting
permit and have been stopped only once--the officers were familiar with
various trochids and turbinids at the level of "snails" and not beyond.

> It seems to me that the regulations allow the collecting of some
> gastropods within the 1,000 foot limit (limpets, moon snails and turban
> snails- there is a moratorium on abalone) in some areas.  The selection
> of allowed species is interesting- why turban snails and not Tegulas,
> for example?  If crabs are allowed, can one collect hermit crabbed
> shells in tidepools in California?

Cheers,
Steve

Steve Lonhart
Department of Biology           Office:  (831) 459-4026
University of California        FAX:     (831) 459-4882
Santa Cruz, CA  95064           email:   [log in to unmask]

WEBSITE:  http://www-biology.ucsc.edu/people/potts/lonhart/