The Alabama State Shell:
Scaphella junonia johnstoneae
Have you ever heard of a sea shell that’s so special it’s the state symbol? Alabama has one, and it’s called Scaphella junonia johnstoneae. This beautiful shell isn’t just any ordinary shell; it represents the state’s love for its coastal treasures and the rich ocean life near its shores. Let’s take a deep dive into this special shell and learn why it’s so important.
What is Scaphella junonia johnstoneae?
Scaphella junonia johnstoneae is a type of sea snail. It lives deep in the ocean, far from where most people swim or play. Its shell has a smooth, glossy surface, decorated with brown spots. The shell can be between 3 to 4 inches long, making it a prized find for collectors.
The snail that lives inside the shell moves slowly on the ocean floor, searching for food. This slow-moving creature hides in the sand, which makes it hard to find its shell on beaches.
How Did It Become Alabama’s State Shell?
In 1990, the state of Alabama decided that Scaphella junonia johnstoneae was special enough to represent the state. The shell was named after Kathleen Yerger Johnstone, a shell collector from Mobile, Alabama. She spent much of her life studying and collecting seashells, and this particular shell became famous thanks to her hard work.
The people of Alabama wanted to honor both her and the sea life of the Gulf Coast by making this shell the official state shell. It was a way to show pride in the unique ocean life near Alabama’s shores.
Why is the Shell Hard to Find?
You might be wondering why you don’t see Scaphella junonia johnstoneae on every beach. The reason is that these snails live in deep waters, far away from the shore. Sometimes, after storms or strong waves, these shells can wash up on the beach. But, because they live so deep, finding one is a rare and exciting event!
In fact, many shell collectors dream of finding a Scaphella junonia johnstoneae. It’s like discovering hidden treasure.
What Does the Shell Look Like?
The shell of Scaphella junonia johnstoneae is easy to recognize because of its beautiful pattern. It has a creamy white background with brown, oval-shaped spots. These spots make it stand out compared to other shells you might see at the beach.
The shape of the shell is long and narrow, and it spirals up to a point. The surface is smooth and shiny, giving it a polished look. Many people say it looks like a piece of art from nature!
Fun Facts About Scaphella junonia johnstoneae
- Rare Find: Because it lives so deep underwater, finding this shell on a beach is extremely rare.
- Deep Sea Creature: The snail that creates this shell lives in waters over 100 feet deep!
- Named After a Collector: The shell is named after Kathleen Johnstone, an important figure in shell collecting.
- Spot Pattern: Each shell has its own unique pattern of spots, just like human fingerprints.
- Collectors’ Dream: Shell collectors are always excited when they find one of these shells on the beach. It’s considered a big deal!
Protecting Alabama’s Ocean Life
The beaches and ocean waters of Alabama are home to many different types of sea creatures. Scaphella junonia johnstoneae is just one example of the amazing animals that live there. But, just like all sea life, it’s important to take care of the environment to make sure these creatures can live in a healthy ocean.
When people litter or pollute the water, it hurts these animals. By keeping the beaches clean and making sure we don’t harm the ocean, we help protect creatures like the snail that makes Scaphella junonia johnstoneae.
Conclusion
Scaphella junonia johnstoneae may be small, but it holds a big place in Alabama’s heart. It reminds us of the beauty and importance of the ocean. Next time you’re at the beach, keep your eyes open—you might just find a rare treasure like Scaphella junonia johnstoneae.
Remember, protecting the ocean is key to ensuring these treasures are around for a long time. So, be sure to take care of the beach and enjoy all the amazing things nature has to offer!