May 7, 2023

I am known as a Lined Tree Snail

My stripes vary from chestnut to blue

I am native to Florida and can be found

On native shrubs and exotic trees too.

Location: Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, Fort Lauderdale

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN305

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 6, 2022

We are Ghost Bulimulus

Also called Bulimulus bonariensis and Land Snails

We are exotics from the West Indies

And most likely got here via the rails.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2021/05/05/edrr-invasive-species-of-the-month-bulimulus-sporadicus-obrigny-1835/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 24, 2020

I am a Ghost Bulimulus
In Florida you can find me both near and far
I used to get around via the railroad,
But now I also travel by car.

Note: I have been finding these exotics at the St. Sebastian River Preserve State park. Recently, while doing a Scrub Jay survey, I came back to my car and found the top and bottom snails shown here on my windshield and car roof. I removed them both from my car. The next day, I came out of my house and found the middle one my garage. I assume that he was a hitchhiker that I missed. 

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, my house (middle photo)

Sources: https://www.jaxshells.org/gallery5.htm

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 12, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

I am a Ghost Bulimulus
I crawl on bushes as land snails do
I mostly eat plants and algae
Who would think I could do this much poop?!

Sources: Jaxshells.org - Bulimulus sporadicus (d’Orbigny, 1835)

Note: The taxomic name was recently changed from Bulimulus sporadicus to Bulimulus bonariensis.

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 8, 2019

Location: Jetty Park, Fort Pierce

I'm known as a Lightning Nerite
I live in the intertidal zone
That means at low tide I sit on rocks
At high tide, the water's my home.

Sources: Atlantic Seashore Field Guide: Florida to Canada - Nerita fulgurant

Capital Regional District - Intertidal Zone

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 23, 2018

Location: Tavares, Lake Idamere County Park

I am a Bulimulus sporadicus
I'm an invasive exotic snail.
I was first reported in Florida in 2009,
And I've spread hitching rides on the rails.

Sources: Jacksonville Snails - Bulimulus sporadicus (d’Orbigny, 1835)  (Scroll to the end of the Field Notes section - mine is the most recent sighting.)

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Blatant plug reminder: David and I are excited to announce that we will be participating in the Shop Small event at the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach, this Saturday, November 24th, from 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m. In addition to tours, we will be selling calendars, magnets, and our brand new field guide* (all of which feature my photography), as well as gift packages that include all of the above in a handmade reusable tote bag. We hope you will come out and see us, and support us, as well as the many other local businesses who will be there. Visit the Heritage Center facebook page for details.

* The guide is in print as we speak. If it is not available by Saturday, you can pre-order and we will deliver as soon as it's available.

December 14, 2017

Location: Marianna, Florida Caverns State Park

I am problably a Mesodon thyroidus,
White-lip Globe, more commonly.
Dee should have photographed my underside,
To obtain a more positive ID.

I learn so much writing this blog, and have had so many people contribute their knowledge. Very special thanks to Bill Frank from the Jacksonville Shells web site and Dr. Harry Lee for their help in identifying this snail.

To quote Bill Frank, "When anticipating that help with identification may be required, make sure that you photograph the ventral side (bottom) of the snail.”

Sources: Jacksonville Shells

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson