This would depend on the habitat.....if it's real arid, with little
vegetation, then check under the shrubs, etc. (watching for rattlesnakes,
gila monsters, etc.).  Some species will be dormant on the shrub and cactus
stems themselves (i.e. bulimulids, some urocoptids, and helminthoglyptids).
 Others will be confined to the leaf litter below the plants.  Rocky areas
are also profitable....turn over rocks and boulders, search under the rock,
including the underside of the rock itself....Cracks and crevices in rock
faces, cliffs, walls, etc. are always a good place to look.

Most snails will be in the most stable microhabitat in any given
environment....think like a snail....that's where they'll be.

Happy hunting....K



At 08:55 PM 7/8/01 -0700, you wrote:
>Dear Conch-L'ers,
>
>I've got a new one for you --
>
>Can anyone give me any information on collecting land shells in Mexico?
>Where might one have some success near family resort-type locations?
>Are there any restrictions on land shell collecting?
>
>Eagerly awaiting the flood of responses,
>
>Phil Liff-Grieff
>[log in to unmask]
>La Crescenta, California
>
Mr. Kurt Auffenberg
Senior Biological Scientist
Exhibits & Public Programs
University of Florida
Hull Road & SW 34th Street
Powell Hall, P.O. Box 112710
Gainesville, Florida 32611-2710

Telephone: 352-846-2000, ext. 253
Fax:  352-846-0253