Appreciating The Mystical Junonia


The Junonia Shell is something that all shell enthusiasts strive to find and it’s possible on Sanibel Island which is known as the shelling capital of the world. These beautiful shells are seen as the holy grail of shells and, are so rare, that when you find one you’re guaranteed to get your picture in the local newspapers! Sanibel Island is also home to the world’s largest Junonia shell which can be found at Sanibel Sea Shell located at 1544 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Sanibel Sea Shell will also be able to provide you with all the tools you need to possibly find your own Junonia!


Where Do Junonia Shells Come From?


The Junonia shells are the houses of the Scaphella Junonia marine gastropod mollusk, commonly known as a sea snail. They have one single muscle which enables them to move across the ocean floor, burrow into sand, climb and swim. They are yellow in color with black spots and are usually between 1 and 4 inches long. They live at the bottom of the ocean in depths between 60 and 120ft and approximately 60ft from shore. They are carnivorous and hunt other sea snails so as breathtaking as their shells might be, they’re little predators! They are named after the Roman Goddess Juno who was known in mythology to be a fierce warrior, protector and one not to be underestimated.

The reason for their rarity is that they live so far away from shore at the bottom of the deep sea so it is very unusual for the shells, once the snail has died, to wash up on to the beach and generally if they are to be found, it will be after severe winds such as a hurricane. There is not much research done on these unique creatures however, currently the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island has 3 live Junonia they are researching and you can visit them at the museum’s living gallery!


Eat Surrounded By Unique Shell Décor At The Sanibel Cafe!


The Sanibel Café
2007 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-5323

The Sanibel Café is famous for its delicious food and unique, decorative tables. Each table has a glass top display showcasing the most incredible arrangements of fossilized seashells.

Hours of Operation:
7am – 2:30pm
Open 7 days a week

Visit The Sanibel Café Website
Guide to Sanibel Island Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Island Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

local cafe on Sanibel Island

Junonia – A Children’s Book By Kevin Henkes


Returning to the beach cottage—a cottage named Scallop—where she has always celebrated her birthday is a special occasion for Alice Rice.

Who will see the first dolphin this time? The first pelican? What will have changed? Stayed the same? And will this be the year she finally finds a Junonia shell?

Alice’s friends are all returning, too. And she’s certain her parents have the best party planned for her. Alice can’t wait. If Alice is lucky, everything will be absolutely perfect. Will Alice be lucky?

Junonia by Kevin Henke can be purchased HERE.

Junonia a book by Kevin Henke