Lightning Whelk
Sinistrofulgur perversum
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
The Florida state shell and the only common large whelk that coils to the left.
- Typical size
- 4 to 12 inches
- How often it turns up
- Common on the southwest gulf coast
- Collecting
- Usually legal to collect
- Handling
- Safe to handle
Empty shells may be collected in most of Florida. Live collection is banned in Sanibel and restricted statewide.
Old shells can have sharp broken edges.
How to tell it apart
- Opening is on the left when the spire points up
- Brown or purple lightning streaks on a cream shell
- Low, stepped spire with small knobs
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.
- Anclote Key Preserve State Park · Tarpon Springs
- Bean Point · Anna Maria
- Beer Can Island (Greer Island) · Longboat Key
- Boca Grande Public Beach · Boca Grande
- Bowman's Beach · Sanibel
- Captiva Beach · Captiva
- Cayo Costa State Park · Cayo Costa
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park · Naples
- Don Pedro Island State Park · Cape Haze
- Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park · St. George Island
- Gasparilla Island State Park · Boca Grande
- Gulfside City Park (Algiers Beach) · Sanibel
Found one?
Photograph it and BeachNut ranks the likely matches with a confidence read, then logs it to your collection with the beach and date.
Browsing beaches and the full field guide is free. A free account logs unlimited finds and gives you three photo identifications a day.
Commonly confused with
Banded TulipCinctura lilium
A lightning whelk opens to the left and has knobs on the shoulder. A tulip opens to the right and is smooth.
More shells in the field guide
Get Florida beachcombing tips
Occasional emails: what's washing up, shelling tips and new BeachNut features. No spam, unsubscribe any time.