I “heart” finding the mini shells! I’ve been enjoying short little walks on the beach this week to strengthen my sprained ankle so searching for miniature seashells is abshellutely perfect exercise.
It was also the perfect time to share the shellove in Shell Love Bug at the Marco Island Shell Show too!
My good friend Diane and I were happy to be there on such a lovely day outside.
The Marco Shell Club is awesome!
I also met big time shellers Jack and Ella (Marco, FL) a few weeks earlier then I got to see them again at the Marco Shell Show. It was so much fun to see them again…. then omigosh… the next day they found a JUNONIA!
It was completely covered in barnacles but they knew right away what they had. They cleaned it up to uncover this stunning specimen. Boom Shellalaka! Way to go!
Then I took Shell Love Bug to Blind Pass where I saw so many fun shellers like Pat, Curt, Char, Dave and Colleen
Michelle (Fort Myers) showed me this little shell she found. Hmmmm… it sorta looks like a BUTTON SHELL.
So here’s our “normal” BUTTON SHELL (Modulus modulus) we find here in SW Florida…
And now look below at the one Michelle found. Different, right? Kinda looks like one found in the Caribbean but I researched it in my Shellibrary but I still didn’t find an exact match. This is the closest thing I came to finding… http://www.idscaro.net/sci/01_coll/plates/gastro/pl_modulidae_1.htm
Here’s the aperture. Can anybody out there identify it? MurexKen? SusanH? Y’all think its a WEDDING SHELL?
So it’s been a fun week shellavanting around on the beach and with the bug. Maybe just as much fun as these MILLIPEDE SEA STARS were having while doing their Locust yoga poses.
This sweet FLAT SCALLOP (ZIGZAG) was found a little further west but when Autumn showed me her shell, I couldn’t help but be drawn to her nails too. Cute nail polish, Autumn! ;)
I’m working on setting dates for my shelling cruises for this summer since I only have the scheduled until May so far. I’ll post those new dates ASAP but until then…
PS- I know my pages here on my blog are a little messed up if you are looking at my posts on a mobile device or tablet. My Seashells Identification button, Beach Bling Identification button disappeared- Ugh! I’m trying to fix all that so please bear with me? So just in case you were looking for the pages to identify your seashells or beach bling….
Dear Pam,
Your pen-shell heart photo is really superb!
I would say your button shell is just a button shell, but by Sanibel standards it is unusual in its sculpture.
However, in the Caribbean button shells, that shape is very common indeed, as you say, and believe it or not, the Caribbean species and the Florida species are considered to be the same species, even though they are different in size and in typical appearance.
The one you just found — was it as big as they usually are, or was it smaller?
Hi Susan H! The button shell Michelle found was pretty much the same size button as our “regular” button shells. But yes, sculpture is so different as you can see. I’m surprised it doesn’t at least have a different common name if the DNA is the same…. like the obvious … “Caribbean button” haha (which of course I will be calling it from here on out if I see another one) ;) thank you for responding so quickly!! Xo
And thanks for your sweet words about my pen shel heart :)
I think the shell is Star Arene, Arene cruentata, SE FL to the WI. Gem Arene, Arene tricarinata. NC to the WI.
I have actually found two of them. Meant to put OR before arene tricarinata (2 different shells)
Linda
Hi Linda, thanks for the input! I should have taken a few other photos with the side position in view to compare. I’m hoping Michelle will check them out and compare the real shell with some of the photos in your IDs. Thanks again- I’ll keep ya posted.
I agree, I wat that pen she’ll photo!
So glad you’re taking care of your ankle! Be good to yourself. See you in a couple of weeks. :-)
I love your posts! Read and reread them. Leaving for Turks and Caicos tomorrow to shell. Saw your 2013 post on your trip. I can’t wait to find my little gift from the sea. Thanks for your inspiration.
Omigosh Nancy have a wonderful time!!! When ya get back, Let me know how your trip was?!
Hi Pam! Jack and Ella are so excited that they are in your post! Thanks for including them ❤
Hi Pam, so very glad to see that your ankle is on the mend and that you are able to be out and about on the beach and with the fabulous Shell Love Bug. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE your pen shell photo!
Looking forward to your June Schedules, we want to plan a trip when you have settled on dates in June or July.
love your heart pin shell pic, pam!! such a clever idea, so cute!!
Since you are just now planning your trips, can I request a Big Hickory trip between June 25-30? 😊
Wonderful blog! Thank you for sharing especially for those of us who are passionate about seashells!
Wondering if you could make suggestion or advise how to clean my JUNONIA! I washed in water/blue dawn bath with a capful of bleach. Had rust stains, dirt and cloudy film only; no barnacles. I was told by a local that quick dip in water muratic acid dip is only way to get rid of the calcium build up and achieve color and shine. Others tell me never acid for Junonia but did not offer alternatives. I cried, dipped in mineral oil and polished. Close, but still foggy. Help?