WENTLETRAPS are so tiny that you may miss them while you are shelling for the WHELKS and CONCHS (and CONES!). They are usually hiding near SEAWEED high in the wash line. Once I see a few mini shells like the baby CONCHS, then I readjust my eyes for the WENTLETRAPS. Can you spot the WENTLETRAP in this first photo?
Wentletrap near the seaweed
This is about the view you are looking at the sand while you are doing the “Sanibel Stoop” so you’ve got to go slow and focus. This was at the Lighthouse right at the point while walking towards the pier.
Wentletrap closer view
Now you can see it, right? It’s hiding near that JEWELBOX with a barnacle on it (I think that’s what it was…I didn’t really look at it while I was there since I was so focused on the WENTLETRAP).
Wentletrap in the sand
Here’s another one below I found today but he was still alive so I threw him back into the water. Be careful to make sure they aren’t still in there- they are tiny but you can still tell when they are alive and well.
A Wentletrap still alive
Wentletraps are so cute. I have yet to find one at Sanibel. Maybe this year! Are they found almost exclusively at the lighthouse beach?
You can find them on other beaches but that’s where we find most of ours. We have found them on Fort Myers Beach (others have reported finding lots of them there too) and Cayo Costa too.
I’m so glad you’ve done posts on wentletraps — I knew they were there by the pier, but I have searched for years and not found one. I have buckets of itsy bitsy horse conchs and olives and conchs, and even a baby’s ear (I’d love to find more of those!) but no wentles. Armed with your photos and directional information, I feel newly charged up and can’t wait for my next trip to the island! Thanks.