Junonia

Scaphella junonia

Markings and exact colorations may vary.

Photo: Josiah Londerée via iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0 · cropped & resized · source

The trophy shell of southwest Florida. Cream with neat rows of brown squares.

Typical size
3 to 5 inches
How often it turns up
Rare, a genuine once-in-a-season find
Collecting
Usually legal to collect

Legal to collect. Finding one on Sanibel traditionally earns a mention in the local paper.

Handling
Safe to handle

Handle gently, the glossy surface chips.

How to tell it apart

  • Cream base with evenly spaced chocolate spots in spiral rows
  • Smooth, glossy, cylindrical shape
  • Narrow aperture running most of the length

Where to find these in Florida

Beaches rated very good or excellent for shells. Each page shows today’s score, the best window and access details.

Found one?

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