Wedding Shells and Wannabe Junonias

Gastropod species of the genus Babylonia, the babylon snails, are common in the southwest Pacific and parts of the Indian Ocean. They are predatory snails with shells measuring between one to two inches in size, and marked by large, well-defined brown spots. Some of the species are popular in the marine aquarium trade in many parts of the world.

Living Babylonia spirata. Unidentified photographer.

They are also a food staple in parts of Southeast Asia. Most likely following from their use as food, their shells are sold by the bushel in the Internet seashell trade. Nothing goes to waste. And I’ve seen Babylonia shells for sale in bins at the local seafood suppliers in Fort Myers Beach (prior to Hurricane Ian). 

Seafood market in Vietnam. Species in front, right-hand bin is most likely Babylonia spirata. Unidentified photographer.

The Spiral Babylon (Babylonia spirata) and the Spotted Babylon (Babylonia areolata) are two species commonly found for sale in the global pet/aquarium and seafood enterprises. Curiously enough, they are some of the most common species of “wedding shells” here in Southwest Florida. Wedding shells" are non-native species abundant elsewhere and that are sometimes used by event planners and party organizers in SW Florida to “spice up” the beaches during weddings, family gatherings, and other occasions. I strongly suspect that their choice relates to their superficial similarity to Junonias (!) Tourists and visitors find them only to bring them to the Museum for identification. Needless to say, some of them get disappointed (or even upset) when told that they are not Junonias, and but a non-local specimens “planted” on the beach!