Seashells of New England: A Beachcomber's Guide 1493027891

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Seashells OF NEW ENGLAND

 

i

An imprint of Rowman & Littlefield Distributed by NATIONAL BOOK NETWORK Copyright © 2017 by Rowman & Littlefield All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote passages in a review. Much of the information in this book is adapted from material in Atlantic Seashore Field Guide: Florida to Canada by J. Duane Sept, published in 2016 by Stackpole Books. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available Library of Congress Cataloging-­in-­Publication Data Names: Allison, Sandy. | Scheirer, David, illustrator. Title: Seashells of New England : a beachcomber’s guide / Sandy Allison ; illustrations by David Scheirer. Description: Guilford, Connecticut : Globe Pequot, [2017] Identifiers: LCCN 2016052173 (print) | LCCN 2016052985 (ebook) | ISBN 9781493027897 (pbk. : alk. paper) | ISBN 9781493027903 (e-book) Subjects: LCSH: Shells—New England—Identification. | Shells—New England—Pictorial works. | Shells—Atlantic Coast (U.S.)—Identification. | Shells—Atlantic Coast (U.S.)—Pictorial works. | Mollusks—New England. Classification: LCC QL416 .A45 2017 (print) | LCC QL416 (ebook) | DDC 594.147/70974—dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016052173 The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/ NISO Z39.48-1992

Seashells OF NEW ENGLAND A Beachcomber’s Guide

Sandy Allison Illustrations by David Scheirer

Guilford, Connecticut

Contents Coiled Snails

Northern Spotted Moonsnail  28

Spiral Margarite  3

Miniature Moonsnail  29

Northern Rosy Margarite  4

Atlantic Dogwinkle  31

Northern Lacuna  6

Well-­ribbed Dovesnail  32

Common Periwinkle  7

Greedy Dovesnail  34

Smooth Periwinkle  8

Lunar Dovesnail  35

Rough Periwinkle  9

Waved Whelk  37

Common Purple Sea-­Snail  11

Ten-­ridged Whelk  38

Humphreys Wentletrap  12

Knobbed Whelk  41

Brown-­band Wentletrap  15

Channeled Whelk  42

Striate Cup-­and-­Saucer  16

Bruised Nassa  44

Convex Slippersnail  17

Three-­lined Basketsnail  45

Common Atlantic

Eastern Mud Snail  47

Slippersnail  18 Eastern White Slippersnail  21 American Pelicanfoot  22 Shark Eye  25 Northern Moonsnail  26

Solitary Bubble Snail  48 Eastern Melampus  49 Limpets Diluvian Puncturella  52 Tortoiseshell Limpet  53

Clams & Bivalves

Atlantic Razor Clam  89

File Yoldia  56

Atlantic Jackknife Clam  90

Atlantic Awningclam  59

Northern Dwarf-­Tellin  92

Transverse Ark  60

Baltic Macoma  93

Blood Ark  63

Stout Tagelus  95

Blue Mussel  64

Purplish Tagelus  96

Northern Horsemussel  67

Queen Quahog  99

Ribbed Mussel  68

Northern Quahog  100

Common Jingle  71

False Quahog  101

Eastern Oyster  72

False Angelwing  102

Atlantic Bay Scallop  75

Soft-shell Clam  105

Atlantic Sea Scallop  76

Arctic Hiatella  107

Cross-­hatched Lucine  78

Atlantic Mud Piddock  108

Northern Cyclocardia  79

Angelwing  111

Wavy Astarte  80

Great Piddock  112

Smooth Astarte  81

Glassy Lyonsia  115

Morton’s Egg Cockle  83

Gould’s Pandora  116

Atlantic Surfclam  84 Dwarf Surfclam  86 Arctic Wedgeclam  87

Finding Seashells Where to Look  120

vi  Seashells of New England

Coiled Snails Most of the creatures in this book live in the intertidal zone—the strip of beach covered by water at high tide but uncovered at low tide. Many also live below this zone, in the sandy or muddy bottom of the edge of the ocean. They are divided into three categories: coiled snails, limpets, and clams. Coiled snails live inside coiled shells they create by secreting a substance made mostly of calcium carbonate. The shells of these snails have whorls (a whorl is one complete coil) that start at the shell’s apex and gradually become larger, ending in an opening, out of which the soft-­bodied snail can emerge. The last whorl, which is the largest, is called the body whorl. Coiled snail shells enlarge as the snail grows— shell material is added around the opening, called the mantle. Marine snails that live in the ocean are similar to garden snails, or land snails, that live on dry land. Like their terrestrial relatives, marine snails vary greatly in size.

Spiral Margarite Margarites helicinus The spiral margarite lives in the lower part of the intertidal zone—the part closest to the ocean—usually on rocks or algae. In the southern part of its range, including the coasts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, it lives in deeper water. It feeds on microalgae. The outside of the shell is orange-­brown with a greenish or purplish iridescence. It is translucent, concial, low, and thin and has a large body whorl without ridges. The “well” in the center of the spiral is relatively broad and deep. The shell is small, growing to only about 1 ⁄3 inch high and ½ inch wide. Other Names: Smooth topsnail, helicina margarite Range in New England: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine

Coiled Snails  3

Northern Rosy Margarite Margarites costalis Female northern rosy margarites are larger than males, and those that live along the Pacific coast in Alaska are noticeably larger than specimens from the Atlantic coast. The rosy margarite is an important food source for many bottom-­feeding fish; fishermen often find margarite shells in the digestive tracts of their catch. They live in sand, in the lower part of the intertidal zone. The shell color can vary from rose to gray. Shells are spiral shaped with a low spire and spiral ridges crossed by fine threads, giving them a textured surface. Shells grow to about ¾ inch high and ¾ inch wide. Other Names: Pearly top shell, boreal rosy margarite, northern ridged margarite Range in New England: Cape Cod through New Hampshire and Maine

4  Seashells of New England

Northern Lacuna Lacuna vincta You can sometimes see living northern lacunas crawling on kelp or algae instead of just finding their shells washed up on the beach. The creatures lay their eggs on seaweed, in circular masses, in late winter and early spring. They live in the lower part of the intertidal zone. The shells are yellowish or light brown on the outside; living lacunas’ shells have light or dark bands and a dark spire. The shell is thin and translucent with four or five convex whorls and deep gaps, called sutures, between them. Shells grow to about ½ inch high and ¼ inch wide. Other Names: Banded lacuna, chink snail, common northern chink shell Range in New England: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine

6  Seashells of New England

Common Periwinkle Littorina littorea Scientists once thought that the common periwinkle was introduced to North America from Europe, but they later discovered that the species actually repopulated the region from a small warm-­water refuge near Nova Scotia, where it had survived the last Ice Age. The species is now widespread and abundant and has a lifespan of up to ten years. Periwinkles are edible, and their shells have often been discovered in old Native American campsites. The shells can vary from gray to olive or brown with dark bands. They are conical with a pointed apex; the opening is round or oval with one edge white and the other black. The shells grow to about 1 inch high and ¾ inch wide. Other Names: Wrinkle-­winkle, edible periwinkle, European periwinkle Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Coiled Snails  7

Smooth Periwinkle Littorina obtusata To protect itself from the European green crab, an introduced predator in the Northeast, the smooth periwinkle has developed a thicker shell and lower spire, according to researchers. These features make the periwinkle more difficult for the crab to eat. The smooth periwinkle itself feeds on northern rockweed, among which it lives, in the lower part of the intertidal zone. This periwinkle’s shell varies from yellow to orange or brown, green or black, often with bands. Its whorls are very smooth. Like many other snails, this species can close its shell opening tightly using a kind of trap door. The shells grow to about ½ inch high and ½ inch long. Other Names: Yellow periwinkle Range in New England: Entire New England coast

8  Seashells of New England

Rough Periwinkle Littorina saxatilis The rough periwinkle lives in what is often called the “splash zone”— the part of the intertidal zone that is furthest away from the ocean and so is usually much drier than lower in the zone. This periwinkle is adapted to survive in these challenging conditions: It moves to sheltered areas and crevices, has a globose shape that minimizes water loss, and can close its “trap door” for extended periods of time. It can live up to forty-­two days out of the water and has a lifespan of up to six years. The shell is gray or yellowish to dark brown; occasionally one will show spiral stripes. It is about ½ inch high and ½ inch wide. Other Names: Northern rough periwinkle Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Coiled Snails  9

Common Purple Sea-­Snail Janthina janthina This is likely the most commonly washed ashore shell on the southern New England coast. Like most snails, the common purple sea-­ snail is heavier than water, but this species can produce a raftlike water bubble covered in mucous that keeps it afloat—and allows it to travel widely on the open sea. Other sea creatures such as the Portuguese man-­of-war, blue button, and by-­the-­wind sailor, which also travel widely, often feed on the sea-­snail. Its shell is a beautiful two-­toned purple, darker below and lighter above. It has a flat appearance and a D-­shaped opening. It grows to about ¾ inch high and 1½ inches wide. Other Names: Common janthina, common purple snail, violet snail Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

Coiled Snails  11

Humphreys Wentletrap Epitonium humphreysii Most wentletraps are found south of New England; some twenty-­ four species can be found along the coast of North Carolina, and many more live along coastal Florida. Humphreys wentletrap, named after a nineteenth-­century physician and naturalist from Boston, is one of the northernmost species. The creature lays its eggs in small capsules that are covered with sand—they look like beads on a string. It lives in the low intertidal zone into deeper water. This wentletrap’s shell is white both inside and out. It is elongated and conical with a total of eight or nine rounded whorls that have deep gaps between them and are covered with bladelike ribs. The opening is broadly oval with a thick lip. Humphreys wentletrap shells grow to about 1 inch high. Other Names: None Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

12  Seashells of New England

Brown-­band Wentletrap Epitonium rupicola The brown-­band wentletrap is more common in New England than it is farther south. The creature lives in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The wentletrap’s white or yellowish shell is a favorite of collectors, some of whom believe it is usually found along with the shells of the three-­lined basketsnail. True to its name, this wentletrap sports two brown spirals on each side of its shell’s sutures. The shell itself is elongated and conical, with eleven rounded whorls and up to eighteen bladelike ribs. The opening is nearly circular, with a thick lip. Other Names: Lined wentletrap Range in New England: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts

Coiled Snails  15

Striate Cup-­and-­Saucer Crucibulum striatum The striate cup-­and-­saucer is more common along Maine and New Hampshire than it is farther south; along the coasts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, it tends to live in deeper waters. It is usually found on rocks or other shells. The creature is a filter feeder, sifting flowing water to consume tiny microalgae and diatoms. The shell can be white, pink, yellow, or brown on the outside; inside, it is glossy pale yellow or orange. The shell is cap shaped with a curved apex that is slightly off center. The base is nearly round. Inside the shell is a cuplike process attached to the anterior wall. Other Names: Cup-­and-­saucer limpet Range in New England: Entire New England coast

16  Seashells of New England

Convex Slippersnail Crepidula convexa The convex slippersnail lives on rocks and other solid objects, often in the quieter waters of bays and lagoons, as well as in the lower parts of the intertidal zone. Scientists have discovered that the creature changes from female to male as it grows. It lays eggs on the rocky surfaces where it lives and stays with the eggs until they hatch. The shell is yellow to dark brown and often mottled with a reddish brown color. The inside has an internal septum—a tiny “deck” covers almost a third of the opening. It is oval, about ½ inch high and ¼ inch wide, and has a shape that gives it the nickname “elf cap.” Other Names: Faded slipper shell, convex slipper shell Range in New England: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts

Coiled Snails  17

Common Atlantic Slippersnail Crepidula fornicata Like the convex slippersnail, the common Atlantic slippersnail attaches itself to rocks or other solid objects—including the shells of horseshoe crabs. In some places, these slippersnails can be stacked on top of each other; the stacks sometimes include more than a dozen individuals. The females are usually on the bottom, the males on the top. The outside of the slippersnail shell is white or tan with blotches or radiating brown lines. The inside is shiny white, sometimes with brown markings. Shells grow to about 2 inches high and 1 inch wide. They are oval shaped. The opening is usually partially covered by shelflike deck. Other Names: Atlantic slipper shell, boat shell, quarterdeck Range in New England: Entire New England coast

18  Seashells of New England

Eastern White Slippersnail Crepidula plana While this slippersnail is also often found attached to the shell of the horseshoe crab, it does not appear in stacks as does the common Atlantic slippersnail. Male eastern white slippersnails are much smaller than females, which brood their eggs underneath their shells. They live in the lower intertidal zone into deeper water. Eastern white slippersnail shells are pure white inside and out. They are oval shaped and flat, or sometimes slightly curved to fit inside large moonsnail shells, and about 1½ inches high. A shelf or “deck” on the shell’s very smooth underside takes up about half the shell’s length. Other Names: Eastern white slipper shell, flat slipper, flat slipper shell Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Coiled Snails  21

American Pelicanfoot Arrhoges occidentalis Although the American pelicanfoot lives lower than the intertidal zone, its shells can often be found on the beach after storms, deposited there by rough seas. Scientists have recently discovered that the creature spends the coldest months burrowed deeply beneath the waves, where it survives in the mud or sand without feeding. It returns to the surface in late winter to feed on macroalgae and diatoms. The outside of the pelicanfoot shell varies from grayish to yellowish; the inside is shiny white. The shell itself is conical and stout, with eight to ten rounded whorls. It is about 2½ inches high and has an outer lip that is expanded into a distinctive winglike extension. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

22  Seashells of New England

Shark Eye Neverita duplicata The beautiful shell of the shark eye disguises a deadly carnivore. The creature feeds on other mollusks, including the blue mussel, Atlantic surfclam, Arctic wedgeclam, northern quahog, and softshell-­clam, by drilling a hole in their shells and inserting its proboscis to digest the underlying soft tissue. It thrives on sandy or sand-­mud shores in the low part of the intertidal zone. The outside of the shark eye’s shell is gray or tan with a bluish line winding around the spire. The inside of the shell is brown. Fresh shells may have a thin brown or yellowish periostracum. All have a globe shape and four or five whorls, with a low and well-­rounded spire. They grow to about 2½ inches high and 3¾ inches wide. Other Names: Atlantic moonsnail, lobed moon shell Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

Coiled Snails  25

Northern Moonsnail Euspira heros Like the shark eye, the northern moonsnail feeds on other mollusks. It is also relatively mobile—it moves along the surface of sand or mud flats on an enormous foot that can be retracted completely inside its shell. The creature’s eggs are deposited in round formations that can often be seen at low tide during the early summer months. The shell is gray to tan on the outside and quite smooth. The inside is white, and the mantle is gray. Fresh shells may show a thin, yellowish periostracum. They are globe shaped with five whorls and a well-­ rounded spire. Moonsnail shells grow to about 4½ inches high and 3½ inches wide. Other Names: Northern moon shell Range in New England: Entire New England coast

26  Seashells of New England

Northern Spotted Moonsnail Euspira triseriata This moonsnail looks very much like the northern moonsnail, but, true to its name, it has spotty marks on its body whorl instead of being unmarked. It is also much smaller than the northern moonsnail. It thrives on sandy shores, from the middle of the intertidal zone into deeper waters. The mantle of the living creature’s shell is white with black tentacles. The spotted moonsnail’s shell is cream colored, with two or three spiral rows of spots, which are bluish or chesnut brown. The shell is shaped like a globe and has four whorls and a well-­rounded spire. It grows to about 1¼ inches high. Other Names: Spotted moon shell, spotted northern moon shell Range in New England: Entire New England coast

28  Seashells of New England

Miniature Moonsnail Tectonatica pusilla The miniature moonsnail is much smaller than both the northern moonsnail and the northern spotted moonsnail—in fact, it more closely resembles the shark eye. The shell is only about 1⁄3 inch high. The creature lives in muddy or sandy bottoms, in the lower part of the intertidal zone and in deeper water. It is only occasionally found washed up on the beach, usually following a storm. The miniature moonsnail’s shell is very smooth, almost like porcelain, and white or tan, often with faint brown spots or bands. It is globe shaped with three whorls and a depressed spire. The opening has a flattened inner lip. Other Names: Miniature natica, southern miniature natica Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Coiled Snails  29

Atlantic Dogwinkle Nucella lapillus The Atlantic dogwinkle comes in a wide variety of colors, from white, pink, or yellow to orange, brown, or black, sometimes with stripes. Experts believe the creature’s diet plays a big part in determining its appearance. If it eats lots of blue mussels, the shell is usually dark; if it feeds on barnacles or other light-­colored prey, the shell is lighter. It lives on rocks or seaweed throughout the intertidal zone. The dogwinkle’s shell has five or six convex whorls and a short spire with a slightly pointed apex. The whorls show several low, rounded spiral cords that are slightly knobby. The opening is large and round, with a thick outer lip. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Coiled Snails  31

Well-­ribbed Dovesnail Cotonopsis lafresnayi When baby well-­ribbed dovesnails hatch from their eggs, they immediately swim away into open water. As they grow, they eventually are found on rocks and shells or among eelgrass in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. This dovesnail’s shell is yellowish to light brown, with a white opening that is elongated and pointed at top. It has six to seven flat-­sided whorls and a conical spire. The whorls are sculpted and crisscrossed with ribs. The shell grows to about ¾ inch long. Other Names: Well-­ribbed dove shell Range in New England: Entire New England coast

32  Seashells of New England

Greedy Dovesnail Costoanachis avara It is called “greedy” because it eats a wide variety of feed—scientists refer to such animals as “opportunists.” When it finds an especially abundant food source, this dovesnail can grow dramatically in a few weeks. Females lay eggs in a distinctive pyramid shape on a variety of seaweeds, and when the young hatch, they are free swimming. A greedy dovesnail shell is brown or yellow on the outside with a pattern of irregular white dots. The shell is thick and about ½ inch high and ¼ inch wide. The opening takes up about half the shell’s length. A line of weak teeth can be seen inside the inner lip. Other Names: Greedy dove shell Range in New England: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts

34  Seashells of New England

Lunar Dovesnail Astyris lunata Similar to the greedy dovesnail, but much smaller, the lunar dovesnail lives on seaweeds, sand, or gravel in the lower part of the intertidal zone. The outside of the shell is cream colored or grayish and shows zig­zag markings on the whorls. It has a glossy appearance and is not bigger than ¼ inch high. The shell has a tall spire. Some of the whorls are translucent—they all are smooth and flat sided without ribs. Other Names: Crescent mitrella, lunar dove shell Range in New England: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts

Coiled Snails  35

Waved Whelk Buccinum undatum This creature is a scavenger, known to feed on fish bait left in lobster pots. It also eats fish eggs, green sea urchins, and crabs. It can sense a meal from quite a distance and uses its long proboscis to feed. Female waved whelks lay eggs in a case that is several inches long. This whelk’s shell varies in color from yellow-brown to reddish. The mantle is light yellow with dark blotches. Live creatures may show a brown periostracum. The shell is oval shaped with five or six whorls and grows to about 4 inches high and 2 inches wide. The waved whelk also lives in Europe, where it can grow to an even larger size. Other Names: Common northern buccinum, northern whelk, edible whelk Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Coiled Snails  37

Ten-­ridged Whelk Neptunea decemcostata Like the waved whelk, the ten-­ridged whelk also finds meals in lobster pots. But its distinctive shell makes it easy to differentiate—it sports ten bold red-­brown stripes around the body whorl. The creature lives in sand or mud or on rocks in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. This whelk’s shell grows to about 5 inches high and 2¼ inches wide. The inside is white. The shell is shaped like a spindle and has a conical spire. The whorls are sculpted, sporting wavy folds and revolving lines. Other Names: Corded neptune, New England neptune, wrinkle whelk Range in New England: Cape Cod through New Hampshire and Maine

38  Seashells of New England

Knobbed Whelk Busycon carica Chances are, when you find a knobbed whelk shell on the beach (they are fairly common after a storm), it will be “right-­handed”— meaning the opening is on the right side if the shell is held with the apex pointing up and the opening facing you. Most Atlantic whelks are like this. Every once and awhile, however, a “left-­handed” whelk shell turns up—and these are highly prized by shell collectors. The knobbed whelk generally lives below the intertidal zone. The knobbed whelk shell (both right-­handed or left) varies from white to gray with faint streaks of brown. Young specimens can have purple streaks. It is big: about 9 inches high and 4½ inches wide. The opening is white to bright orange. Other Names: None Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

Coiled Snails  41

Channeled Whelk Busycotypus canaliculatus This whelk feeds on bivalves by inserting its narrow opening canal between its victim’s two shells. When the prey reacts by closing up tightly, one shell often breaks, leaving an opening that cannot be closed. The channeled whelk lives on sandy or sand-­mud bottoms of the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The shell grows to about 7 inches high and 3½ inches wide. The outside is yellowish to gray; a thin gray periostracum is attached and can be seen on fresh specimens. The large body whorl covers much of the shell, which is pear shaped. The inside is pinkish. Other Names: None Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

42  Seashells of New England

Bruised Nassa Nassarius vibex This creature is a known scavenger, feeding on the eggs of worms as well as on organic material contained in water and sand. It lives in shallow water just below the intertidal zone but moves to deeper water during the winter. The shell is white to grayish brown on the outside, with brownish spots or bands. It is heavy and short, growing to about ½ inch high and ¼ inch wide. Most of the shell is made up of the body whorl, which is sculpted with fine lines (as are all the whorls). Other Names: Bruised basket shell, common eastern dog whelk, common eastern nassa, mottled dog whelk Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

44  Seashells of New England

Three-­lined Basketsnail Ilyanassa trivittata This basketsnail is thought to be a scavenger. It is known to eat the egg cases produced by the northern moonsnail. It lives on sandy beaches, or in a mixture or sand and mud, usually in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The shell of a living three-­lined basketsnail is white with pale purple spots. A shell washed up on shore is often yellowish white or gray with brown spiral stripes. It is about ¾ inch high and ½ inch wide with a conical spire. It has six or seven convex whorls sculpted with ribs and crossed by cords to create a beaded pattern. Other Names: New England basket whelk, New England dog whelk, New England nassa, three-­lined basket shell Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Coiled Snails  45

Eastern Mud Snail Ilyanassa obsoleta The eastern mud snail lives on mudflats and in the lower part of the intertidal zone. It is dark and somewhat muddy looking and can live for as long as five years. The shell is black or dark brown to a reddish purple and occasionally shows banding. It is stout and oval shaped and about 1¼ inches high. The spire is often rounded and worn. This snail’s shell has six convex whorls that are sculpted with numerous revolving lines. The opening is oval with a ridged outer lip. Other Names: Common mud snail, eastern mud nassa, eastern mud whelk, mud dog whelk, mud basket shell Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Coiled Snails  47

Solitary Bubble Snail Haminoea solitaria The living bubble snail has a soft body that almost totally covers its shell, making it look somewhat like a grayish slug. A flattened growth on its head, called a “cephalic shield,” helps it burrow into the silty sand or mud of the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The solitary bubble snail’s shell varies from white to amber on the outside. It is quite delicate and sculpted with very fine grooves. It is about ½ inch high and ¼ inch wide. The opening is longer than the body whorl, with a wider base and thin outer lip. Other Names: Glassy bubble, solitary paper bubble Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

48  Seashells of New England

Eastern Melampus Melampus bidentatus This species is actually more closely related to land snails than to marine snails. It has a lung and breathes air instead of respiring water. It is also an omnivore—it eats a wide variety of food, including algae and even dead animals. Unlike other marine snails, the melampus lives along the edges of marshes and lagoons, as well as in the upper part of the intertidal zone. Its shell is pale brown to greenish, sometimes with brown spiral bands and axial streaks. Living creatures are often muddy, which obscures their brighter coloration. The fragile shell grows to about ¾ inch high and usually has five whorls. The opening has a thin outer lip and is smooth inside. Other Names: Coffee melampus, common marsh snail, salt-­marsh snail Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Coiled Snails  49

Limpets The limpets are snails—soft-­bodied animals that live inside a single shell that is fashioned from secretions and grows larger as the creature grows. But unlike the coiled snails, limpets create shells without spirals; limpet shells are somewhat flattened and can look more like a shell from a clam or bivalve. Most limpets live in the intertidal zone. They attach themselves very tightly to hard surfaces—so tightly that they are almost impossible to remove without killing them. But unlike barnacles, for example, limpets are mobile. They can detach and move elsewhere. Two limpet species are common to the New England coast: the diluvian puncturella and the tortoiseshell limpet.

Diluvian Puncturella Puncturella noachina The distinctive shell of this creature has an opening near the apex, but not exactly at the apex. It is a common beach shell that is easy to identify. The creature lives under rocks in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The outside of the shell is a dull white; the inside is a brighter white. The shell grows to about ½ inch long and is relatively steeply sloped, with sharp ribs and a slot extending from the opening. Other Names: Keyhole limpet, Linne’s puncturella, little puncturella, Noah’s punctured shell Range in New England: Cape Cod through New Hampshire and Maine

52  Seashells of New England

Tortoiseshell Limpet Testudinalia testudinalis This limpet lays sheets of red eggs in the springtime; it lives on rocks, pilings, and on shells in tidepools as well as the mid to lower parts of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The attractive shell is cream colored with irregular streaks of brown, hence the tortoiseshell name. Algae on some shells can turn them greenish. The shells grow to about 1 inch long, sometimes 2 inches. They have a smooth, oval shape and a fairly shallow slope. Other Names: Atlantic plate limpet, plant limpet Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Limpets 53

Clams & Bivalves Clams and bivalves are soft-­bodied creatures that live inside a pair of hinged shells made of a substance that is mainly calcium carbonate, which the creatures secrete. You can sometimes find two empty clam shells still connected at the hinge, but usually you will find just one shell. Living clams can open their hinged shells; they also can extend a muscular foot and, in some species, project a siphon. When they are alive, many clams and bivalve shells have a thin, rough outer covering known as a periostracum. This layer is often worn away or completely detached by the time an empty shell is washed up on the beach, but sometimes it is still apparent, especially if the shell is fairly fresh. Some clam shells have ribs extending from the hinge to the opening, creating a ridged surface. Some have concentric growth lines encircling the hinge in increasingly larger circles. Some have both ribs and growth lines, which can create an intricate pattern. In general, the inside of a clam shell is smooth, sometimes marked with indentations or ridges where the clams were once attached.

File Yoldia Yoldia limatula The file yoldia extends its fleshy foot quickly when disturbed and so can move about as fast as any clam can. The creature lives in muddy or sand-­mud bottoms, just below the intertidal zone. The outside and inside of the shell are white, but the outside also shows a few brownish growth lines. The shell is flat and ax shaped and about 1¼ inches long and 2½ inches wide. The back end of the shell is pointed, and teeth are apparent on the hinge area of the shell. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

56  Seashells of New England

Atlantic Awningclam Solemya velum The Atlantic awningclam is a good swimmer; it moves using jet-­ propelled spurts. It can also dig deeply in the sand or mud of the lower part of the intertidal zone using a powerful disklike foot. The creature sports same sixteen fingerlike projections around the siphon opening. The awningclam’s shell itself is fragile. It is usually covered with a thin, greenish brown periostracum that overhangs it, giving it the alternate name “veiled clam.” The inside is bluish white. The shell has around fifteen lines that radiate from the hinge area and grows to about 1½ inches long. Other Names: Swimming clam, veiled clam Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  59

Transverse Ark Anadara transversa Although the shell of the transverse ark is covered with a dark brown periostracum when the creature is alive, the fragile covering is usually missing when an empty shell is washed up on the beach. The transverse ark lives in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. It attaches to rocks, shells, and driftwood. The shell without the covering is white, both inside and out. It is stout and oval shaped with a straight hinge. It grows to about 1½ inches long and sculpted with thirty-­three strong ribs crossed by growth lines. Other Names: None Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

60  Seashells of New England

Blood Ark Lunarca ovalis This creature gets its name because its body is reddish in color—and it is reddish because its blood contains hemoglobin. Although many animals have hemoglobin in their blood, very few bivalves do. Scientists study the blood of the blood ark to learn more about the properties of human blood. This ark’s shell grows to about 2¼ inches long and 2 inches wide. It is white or whitish yellow on the outside, although it is often covered with a thick brown periostracum. The inside of the shell is white, and the shell’s hinge line is slightly curved. The shell is sculpted with smooth, flattened ribs crossed by tiny growth lines. Other Names: Bloody clam Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

Clams & Bivalves  63

Blue Mussel Mytilus edulis This is the desirable edible mussel served in fine restaurants. It is often “farmed” in sheltered parts of the coast, where it grows quickly to its full 2½-inch length. Wild mussels grow more slowly, reaching full size in about seven years. They have a normal lifespan of about twelve years, although some have been thought to reach an age of more than twenty. They live on rocks, pilings, and other solid surfaces throughout the intertidal zone. The outside of the blue mussel shell is dark blue to almost black and covered with a thin, shiny periostracum. It has a smooth appearance, with numerous fine concentric lines. The inside of the shell is bluish white. Other Names: Edible mussel Range in New England: Entire New England coast

64  Seashells of New England

Northern Horsemussel Modiolus modiolus This is the largest and most common mussel along the New England coast. Unfortunately, unlike the less-­common blue mussel, it is not very good to eat. Horsemussels live in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water, attached to rocks, shells, jetties, and other hard surfaces. The horsemussel shell is white to purplish gray; fresher specimens can have a yellowish brown periostracum still attached. The shell grows to about 6 inches high and 3½ inches wide and has a generally oval shape. The outside is fairly smooth, with concentric growth rings. The inside of the shell is grayish white. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  67

Ribbed Mussel Geukensia demissa This mussel frequently grows in large colonies, which have been found with more than a hundred individuals per square foot. The ribbed mussel can reattach itself if it happens to be dislodged from the hard surface it lives on. Its habitat includes clam estuaries as well as the lower part of the intertidal zone. It is a fairly common species. The outside of the shell is dark brown to purple, with a greenish brown or dark brown periostracum on fresher specimens. The inside is bluish white or grayish. The shell grows to about 4 inches long and 1¾ inches wide and has an overall oblong shape. Strong but relatively small ribs give the species its name. Other Names: Ribbed marsh mussel Range in New England: Entire New England coast

68  Seashells of New England

Common Jingle Anomia simplex Jingles are usually easy to find washed up on a beach. They can be a wide range of colors, often yellowish, orange, or silver white but sometimes very dark, almost black. Many jingle shells have a hole in them, making them easy to string together on a necklace. The living creatures inhabit the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. Jungle shells are generally round, but the circle is somewhat distorted. The lower shell (the one with the hole) is thin and fragile, with a whitish central area inside and three muscle scars; the upper shell is thicker and larger, with a round muscle scar on the inside. Shells grow to about 3 inches long. Other Names: Jingle shell Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  71

Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica Thousands of tons of eastern oysters are produced each year—they have been eaten by humans throughout the history of North America. Piles of their shells have been found in Native American campsites, and they are still consumed in great quantity today. They are also eaten by wild predators, including sea stars and snails. Eastern oysters live in quieter waters and tolerate lower salinity; they also live in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The outside of the oyster shell is grayish; the inside is white with a purple muscle scar near the center. The shells are quite thick, with a rough surface. They grow to about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide. Other Names: Atlantic oyster, common oyster Range in New England: Entire New England coast

72  Seashells of New England

Atlantic Bay Scallop Argopecten irradians This species is the famous “blue-­eyed scallop.” It gets its name from the thirty or forty bright blue eyes found on its mantle margin. These eyes are able to detect movement nearby. Young bay scallops attach themselves with tiny threads to eelgrass on muddy shores to escape the suffocating ooze. Here they grow and eventually move to deeper waters. They breed when they are a year old and rarely live longer than two years. The outside of Atlantic bay scallop shells varies from white to yellowish brown, bluish, even reddish. They occasionally show concentric bands. Shells grow to about 2¾ inches long and 3 inches wide. Other Names: Bay scallop Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  75

Atlantic Sea Scallop Placopecten magellanicus Unlike the blue eyes of the Atlantic bay scallop, this scallop has gray eyes. The shells of the Atlantic sea scallop were often used as dishes by native people along the coast. The age of this scallop can be estimated by counting the number of rings on its shell—just like the rings of a tree. The sea scallop matures at four years and lives six to eight years on average. This species can be observed at snorkeling depths in Maine. It is the focus of an important commercial fishery. Shells are reddish or pinkish brown on the outside and white inside. They grow to about 8 inches long and 8 inches wide and are most commonly found on the beach after a storm. Other Names: Deep-­sea scallop, giant scallop, sea scallop Range in New England: Entire New England coast

76  Seashells of New England

Cross-­hatched Lucine Divalinga quadrisulcata These shells have a distinctive cross-­hatched pattern and so are usually easy to identify. They are a common sight for beachcombers. The creatures themselves live in the sandy bottom of water below the intertidal zone. The outside of the lucine’s patterned shell is ivory white and the inside is plain white. The shell has an overall circular shape and very fine teeth all along the inside of the edge. They grow to about 1 inch long and 1 inch wide. Range in New England: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts

78  Seashells of New England

Northern Cyclocardia Cyclocardia borealis The abundant northern cyclocardia is an important food source for a number of bottom-­feeding fish. The creature lives in the sand of the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. It often lives under rocks. Northern cyclocardia shells grow to about 1½ inches long and are white both inside and out. Fresh specimens have a light or dark brown periostracum. The shell is heavy and sculpted with fifteen to twenty rounded ribs that give it a beaded appearance. Other Names: Northern cardita, northern heart shell Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  79

Wavy Astarte Astarte undata This is the more common of the astarte species found along the New England coast. It is easy to identify—its shell is sculpted with several smooth, wavelike concentric ridges that give it its name. Living creatures have a periostracum that is dark brown on adults, lighter brown on youngsters. These astartes live on gravel or in sand or mud in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The empty shells are white on the outside, often with the periostracum still attached but now turned slightly yellow. The inside of the shell is white, too. The shell grows to about 1½ inches high. Other Names: Waved astarte Range in New England: Entire New England coast

80  Seashells of New England

Smooth Astarte Astarte castanea When alive, the soft tissues of the smooth astarte are a striking scarlet red. The creature lives in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water, preferring muddy or sand-­and-­mud bottoms. The outside of the smooth astarte shell is white, with a tough, yellowish brown periostracum often still attached. The inside is white as well. The shell is solid and triangular, growing to about 1¼ inches long. As its name implies, this astarte’s shell is smooth, with a few concentric growth lines. Other Names: Chestnut astarte Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  81

Morton’s Egg Cockle Laevicardium mortoni Morton’s egg cockle is a favorite food of seagoing waterfowl. This is an active species reportedly able to hop on the ground and swim. It lives in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deep waters, preferring muddy or sand-­and-­mud bottoms. The egg cockle’s shell grows to about 1 inch long and 1 inch wide. The outside is yellowish white, with irregular brown or orange streaks. The inside is yellowish, often with purple blotches near the back. The shell is thin and fairly circular. The outside is smooth, without ribs, but with very fine concentric growth lines that can sometimes be hard to detect. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  83

Atlantic Surfclam Spisula solidissima The Atlantic surfclam is edible but somewhat tough, although gulls love them, as do many people. Large numbers can be deposited on the beach after a storm, especially in the winter. Anglers frequently use surfclams as bait. The creatures live in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper waters, often on wave-­swept shores. The outside of the Atlantic surfclam’s shell is yellowish white; it has a yellow-­brown periostracum. The shell is heavy and triangular in shape. It grows to 5½ inches high and 7 inches wide and is relatively smooth, with fine concentric growth lines. Other Names: Beach clam, skimmer clam, hen clam, bar clam Range in New England: Entire New England coast

84  Seashells of New England

Dwarf Surfclam Mulinia lateralis Like the Morton’s egg cockle, the dwarf surfclam is an important food source for waterfowl, as well as fish. Larger birds can swallow the clam whole. The creature lives in waters below the intertidal zone, in sand or muddy bottoms. The dwarf surfclam’s shell is much smaller than the Atlantic surfclam’s, growing to only about ¾ inch wide. The outside of the shell varies from a cream color to light brown and often shows banding. A thin, yellow periostracum can be attached to fresh specimens. The shell has a triangular shape and is sculpted with growth lines. Other Names: Duck clam, coot clam Range in New England: Entire New England coast

86  Seashells of New England

Arctic Wedgeclam Mesodesma arctatum Seagoing waterfowl known as scoters feast on the Arctic wedgeclam, as do several types of diving ducks. The creature lives in the sand of the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The outside of the wedgeclam’s shell is yellowish white; the inside is white. A yellow periostracum might be attached, and it often has a metallic sheen. As its name suggests, the shell is shaped like a wedge, with a very short back portion. The outside is sculpted with wide concentric ridges. Wedgeclam shells grow to about 2¼ inches long. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  87

Atlantic Razor Clam Siliqua costata This species burrows vertically in sand or mudflats, in shallow waters below the intertidal zone. Its shells are commonly found washed up on the beach, but the animal is rarely found there. Razor clams have a white to purplish shell with a thin yellow-­brown or greenish brown periostracum. The inside is white. The shell is elongated and has a strong internal rib. Shells are smooth and grow to about 1¼ inches high to 2½ inches wide. Other Names: Ribbed pod, Atlantic razor Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  89

Atlantic Jackknife Clam Ensis directus The Atlantic jackknife clam digs deep burrows and stands upright with a foot that is almost as long as the shell. It is also able to swim using its foot with a “jet propulsion” technique. It often lives in colonies. Its main predators include moonsnails and the milky ribbon worm. Jackknife clam shells grow to about 10 inches long and are whitish on the outside, bluish white inside. The shells can be covered with a shiny, thin, greenish periostracum. The shell ends appear to be squared off. A strong rib is visible inside the shell. Other Names: Common straight-­razor, common razor clam, straight-­razor clam Range in New England: Entire New England coast

90  Seashells of New England

Northern Dwarf-­Tellin Tellina agilis Tellins such as this one eat using what scientists call “deposit feeding,” meaning they ingest sand and mud unselectively and then digest the bits of organic food it contains. The northern dwarf-­tellin lives on mudflats in waters below the intertidal zone. Shells grow to only about ½ inch. They are white or cream colored to pinkish, with a shiny or iridescent finish, and are generally very smooth, with barely visible tiny concentric growth lines. The inside of the shell is white. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

92  Seashells of New England

Baltic Macoma Macoma balthica Like the other macoma species, the Baltic macoma lives buried deep in the mud in the lower part of the intertidal zone—most always on its left side and a foot below the surface. From this depth, it extends siphons up to breathe, feed, and deposit waste. These siphons can be ten times the length of the shell, which grows to only 1¼ inches high and 1½ inches long. The outside of this macoma’s shell is white or faintly pink, as is the inside. A thin, brown periostracum can be found on fresh specimens. Shells are thick and somewhat chalky, with a pointed back end. The shell shows numerous fine concentric growth lines. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  93

Stout Tagelus Tagelus plebeius The stout tagelus is a common species found washed up on beaches in southern New England. It lives in sand-­and-­mud substrates in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The outside of the shell is chalky white, with a thin, yellow-­brown periostracum covering most of it. If this covering is not attached, you can see fine concentric growth lines on the shell’s smooth surface. This stout tagelus shell grows to about 1½ inches high and 4 inches long—the length is some three times longer than the width. Other Names: Jackknife clam Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

Clams & Bivalves  95

Purplish Tagelus Tagelus divisus Not as common washed up on the beach as is the stout tagelus, the purplish tagelus lives in burrows in the sand or mud in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. It extends a siphon to the surface of the bottom to feed on items suspended in the water. This tagelus’s shell is white and light purple with streaks or rays. Fresh specimens have a thin, yellow-­brown periostracum. The shells are oblong and very fragile; they grow to about 1½ inches long and show a riblike structure and numerous fine concentric growth lines. The inside of the shell is white or light purple, occasionally dark purple. Other Names: None Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

96  Seashells of New England

Queen Quahog Arctica islandica The queen quahog has been harvested commercially for many years and is a standard menu item for many seafood restaurants. The creature lives in the sand of the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper waters. It is a relatively large, heavy clam, growing to about 5 inches long. The name “quahog” derives from a Native American word. The outside of the shell is white and covered with a thick, rough dark brown or black periostracum. The shell itself is somewhat chalky, with numerous concentric growth rings. The inside is white. Other Names: Black clam, mahogany clam Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  99

Northern Quahog Mercenaria mercenaria The northern quahog is one of the most important clams in the history of the continent. Native Americans used the species for a variety of purposes; they ate its meat, carved the shells into tools and ornaments, and made beads from the shell lining for “wampum,” or “shell money.” This quahog is still harvested commercially for food in large numbers. The shells are grayish yellow to brownish, thick, and patterned with many concentric growth lines. The central portions of the valves have a broad, smooth surface. Inside, the shell is white, sometimes with a purplish tinge. Other Names: Cherrystone clam, edible hardshell clam, littleneck clam, round clam Range in New England: Entire New England coast

100  Seashells of New England

False Quahog Pitar morrhuanus As its common name suggests, the false quahog closely resembles the northern quahog. The false quahog has a shell that is more gray to brownish red on the outside, however; and it does not display purple on the inside—it is generally plain white. The creature itself lives in the sand and mud of the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The false quahog’s shell grows to about 2 inches long; it is somewhat thin and generally smooth, with numerous concentric growth lines. Other Names: Morrhua venus Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  101

False Angelwing Petricolaria pholadiformis A common beach shell, the false angelwing lives in mud, clay, and peat, and even in soft rock and waterlogged wood, in the lower part of the intertidal range into deeper water. It is similar in appearance to the angelwing, which is much larger and limited to southern New England. The false angelwing’s siphons are large and gray. The shell is chalky white with a brownish periostracum. It is fragile and grows to about ¾ inch high and 2 inches long. The outside shows some forty ribs that are widely separated near the front of the shell, becoming closer together toward the rear. The inside of the shell is white. Other Names: American piddock Range in New England: Entire New England coast

102  Seashells of New England

Soft-shell Clam Mya arenaria This is a popular edible species harvested widely and sold in seafood restaurants throughout New England. It hides in borrows in sand or mud of the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water, revealing its presence when it shoots out a jet of water as it retreats into its shell. Soft-shell clam shells grow to about 3½ inches high and 6 inches wide. They are thin and fragile—but not exactly soft. They are grayish white to light brown on the outside, with a gray periostracum showing on fresh specimens. The surface is rough and sports irregular concentric growth lines. Other Names: Longnecked clam, long clam, steamer clam Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  105

Arctic Hiatella Hiatella arctica The irregular and misshapen appearance of the Arctic hiatella’s shell reflects its tendency to nest in an assortment of cracks and crevices within rocky areas of the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. When it picks a spot, it attaches itself with a strong cord and stays there for life. The shells grow to about ¾ inch high and 2 inches long and are chalky white, with a thin yellowish periostracum. The inside is grayish white. Both ends of the shell appear rounded. The surface is sculpted with numerous concentric lines. Other Names: Arctic saxicave, Arctic rock borer, red nose Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  107

Atlantic Mud Piddock Barnea truncata The Atlantic mud piddock feeds on bits of plankton suspended in the water. It lives in muddy or clay bottoms, sometimes in soft shale, in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The piddock’s shell is fragile and grows to about 2¾ inches long. The outside is grayish white and the inside is white. The shell is thin and oblong, with gaping openings at each end. A pattern of radiating ribs marks the shell, which often has a somewhat scaly appearance. Other Names: Fallen angelwing, truncated borer Range in New England: Entire New England coast

108  Seashells of New England

Angelwing Cyrtopleura costata The angelwing burrows deeply into sandy mud, clay, or peat in the middle to lower part of the intertidal zone. Its burrows can sometimes be 3 inches long. The shell grows to about 2¼ inches high and 8 inches long. It is fragile and sports thirty spiny ribs that are crossed with concentric ridges, giving the shell a scaly appearance. The outside of the shell is chalky white with a gray periostracum on fresher specimens. The inside is white. Other Names: None Range in New England: Connecticut and Rhode Island to Cape Cod

Clams & Bivalves  111

Great Piddock Zirfaea crispata The great piddock lives in variously shaped burrows in peat, mud, or clay in the lower part of the intertidal zone into deeper water. The shape of the burrow influences the ultimate shape of the creature’s shell. The great piddock’s shell is grayish white; a brown periostracum covers the shell of the living creature but is usually worn off before an empty shell makes its way to the beach. The shells are sturdy, with a broad rear, pointy front, and sawtoothed margin. The inside of the shell is white. Other Names: Oval paddock, common piddock Range in New England: Entire New England coast

112  Seashells of New England

Glassy Lyonsia Lyonsia hyalina If you find a glassy lyonsia shell, you will likely need to brush the sand from its surface—sand seems to easily stick to it and it is often covered. This small and fragile bivalve lives in sand or mud in the lower part of the intertidal zone. The outside of the glassy lyonsia’s shell is grayish white and has a thin, transluscent, shiny periostracum. It is quite smooth, with delicate ribs crossed by several lighter concentric ridges. It grows to about 1 inch long and has an elongated oval shape. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

Clams & Bivalves  115

Gould’s Pandora Pandora gouldiana This is the largest pandora found on the Atlantic coast; it is also the most common pandora species. It usually lives in the lower part of the intertidal zone, in sandy or muddy beaches. The shell is white to reddish brown, about 1½ inches long, and generally smooth. The inside is pearly white. Shells are flat and wedge shaped and slightly upturned in the back. The creature’s two shells are asymmetrical—one is very flat while the other is convex. Other Names: None Range in New England: Entire New England coast

116  Seashells of New England

Finding Seashells The best time to search for shells is during low tide, when the entire intertidal zone is exposed. Tide charts are available online for almost any beach location and will allow you to pinpoint when low tides occur. Tides are the most extreme during full or new moon periods, so if you can time your search for these dates, the potential for interesting finds is greater. Search the exposed zone, or wade into the shallow water to see what you can spot. And don’t forget to check out the “wrack line,” the upper part of the intertidal zone—the part of the beach littered with debris after high tides recede. Around tidal pools are great spots too. Experienced shell collectors know that the best time to be on the beach is immediately after a storm or stretch of bad weather—high waves and rough water are more likely to deposit shells on the beach than are calm seas. (For safety’s sake, don’t go searching during a storm.) While seashells will, of course, be deposited on rocky beaches as well as sandy beaches, those found among rocks are much more likely to be broken, which is why sandy beaches are best for shell collecting. Not much gear is needed to collect shells. A bucket or sack to carry your finds is good to have, as are a small shovel or spade and a net. Some collectors go barefoot if they plan to wade into the surf; they use their toes to feel for shells that might be buried in the underwater sand or mud. Stay safe on the beach when you go shell collecting—be alert for rough water, incoming tides, and slippery footing. Use sunscreen. Don’t trespass onto private property. Don’t litter. And never collect, or even disturb, a living creature, even if it is sporting a fantastic shell!

When you get your shells home, simply washing them in soapy water and rinsing will clean them up well. You can use an old toothbrush to remove scum or bits of periostracum—boiling the shell in water will help loosen stubborn, extra-­sticky attachments.

Where to Look Any beach in New England has the potential to hold great seashell treasures, but a number of particular locations are known as great places to search. The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance offers suggestions for the entire region.

Connecticut Penfield Beach Rocky Neck State Park Short Beach Silver Sands State Park

Maine Bar Harbor Bayview Georgetown Harpswell Old Orchard Beach/Ocean Park Phippsburg Popham Beach Reid State Park

Massachusetts Buzzard’s Bay

120  Seashells of New England

Cape Ann Demerest Lloyd State Park Elizabeth Islands Fort Phoenix State Reservation Good Harbor Beach Gooseberry Island State Beach Kalmus Point Beach Martha’s Vineyard Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Nahant Beach/Lynn Beach Nantasket Beach Nantucket Plum Island Plymouth Beach Point of Pines Provincetown Scusset Beach South Beach Wingaersheek Beach Wollaston Beach

New Hampshire Isles of Shoals Odiorne Point State Park Rye Wallis Sands State Park

Finding Seashells  121

Rhode Island Easton’s Beach Jamestown Island Second Beach The South Shore

122  Seashells of New England