What you have is Busycon aspinosum Hollister 1958
-----Original Message-----
From: Nancy Galdo <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, March 07, 2000 1:16 PM
Subject: Florida West Coast Busycon contrarium


>Hello Conch-Lers,
>
>While shelling in Pine Island Sound (just north of Sanibel Island, Florida)
>last weekend, I found two specimens of what, I think, is a definite form of
>Busycon contrarium.  I've only seen shells looking like this in Pine Island
>Sound.  Long-time sheller, Joan Caldwell, gave me my first specimen in the
>mid 80's and told me it was a special form from the area.  I'd really
>appreciate it if any Florida West Coast experts can put a name on it for
me,
>if there is one.
>
>The largest specimen I've seen is over160mm. Distinguishing features are no
>spines or small knobs instead of spines on larger specimens.  Color in two
of
>the three specimens I have is orange with a deep orange/yellow aperture.
The
>third specimen has a dark brown color with deep orange aperture.  Markings
>are normal.
>One other interesting thing I noticed is that the condition of all three
>shells appears very worn, rough-looking and dried out, not smooth and shiny
>on the entire outside of the shell.  Even after coating with mineral oil
>numerous times, it is difficult to maintain the color and luster.  The
>aperture, while differently colored, is shiny and normal-looking.
>
>I hope this description sounds familiar to someone.
>
>Thank you and I look forward to hearing all your comments.
>
>Nancy Galdo
>