I have found these sites helpful:
Although based in the Florida panhandle, they have links to other regions. http://www.jaxshells.org/
This one has multiple examples for most species. Very helpful for sorting through multiple possibilities. http://www.gastropods.com/
Southwest Florida - http://www.shellmuseum.org/
For local shells, Pacific Northwest, go here - http://members.shaw.ca/bcshells/shellcore.html
To identify local genera, Kozlof's Marine Invertebrates of the Pacific Northwest is an excellent resource. Usually, I can get to the genus level and then I start looking through the images to find the "best bet" species.
One could spend more than one can afford on books and still not be sure. I guess that is the appeal of studying these animals.
-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Varner
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2006 5:08 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: shell ID books
I am looking to upgrade my shell collecting library. I have the Peterson and Simon & Schuster guides and Abbott's Compendiums of Land and Seashells. Does anyone have any suggestions for additional identification books or internet sources for shell ID info?
-John Varner
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