6. THE CYPREA (No. 1) 



The cowry, a great favorite of collectors, is a tropical shell beautifully colored and 

 brightly polished. It does .not have an operculum. The mantle of the animal, expanded 

 from both sides usually envelopes the shell forming the porcelain like surface 

 with the calcareous deposit it secretes. 



1. Cyprea exanthema cervus, Linne (Measled Cowry) 



A growth series. This cyprea is believed to be the largest of the coweries. Note 



the stripes of the juvenile are practically displaced by the "measles" on the adult. 



Spots are never ringed as on cyprea exanthema. It is longer, stouter and darker 



colored than the typical variety. 



Height 3"-4" 



These specimens were dredged at Dry Tortugas and Bay of Campeche. 



2. Cyprea spurca, Linne (Yellow Spotted Cowry) 

 Height: l"-li/i" 



These specimens dredged in Bay of Campeche 



THE OLIVES 



This family is tropical and subtropical and like the cyprea is a brilliantly polished 

 shell having ,no operculum and is subcylindrical in shape. 



8. Oliva sayana, Ravenel (Lettered Olive) 



The common name is apropos to the two bands of hieroglyphic-like markings. 

 The Olivia sayana lives in colonies at low tide mark on Florida beaches, or an 

 exposed tidal flat. Their track is similar to that of a mole but proportionate to the 

 size of the animal. If he is not at one end try the other ! Tap him on the shoulder 

 and the mantle will recede revealing the beautiful porcelain shell. 

 Height : 2"-3" Range both Florida coasts 



These specimens taken at Fort Myers Beach. Small specimen is golden phase 

 taken at Marco. 



-21- 



