List of U.S. state shells facts for kids

Did you know that many U.S. states have special symbols? Just like a state bird or flower, some states also have an official state shell! These shells are chosen to represent the state's natural beauty or importance. In 1965, North Carolina was the first state to pick a shell, the Scotch bonnet. Since then, 14 other states have followed!

What Are State Shells?

State shells are usually seashells. These are the hard outer coverings of ocean animals called mollusks. Mollusks are soft-bodied creatures that live inside these shells. Some mollusks, like gastropods, have one shell (like a snail). Others, like bivalves, have two hinged shells (like a clam or oyster).

Why Do States Choose a Shell?

Each state picks a shell that is special to its coastal areas. The shells are chosen for different reasons. Sometimes, they are important for seafood or fishing in that state. Other times, they are picked because they are very beautiful, rare, or unusually large. It's a way to celebrate the unique sea life found in their waters.

Official State Shells of the U.S.

Here is a list of the states that have chosen an official shell, along with the shell's name and a picture.

State	Shell	Image	Year designated
Alabama	Johnstone's junonia Scaphella junonia ssp. johnstoneae		1990
Connecticut	Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica		1989
Delaware	Channeled whelk Busycotypus canaliculatus		2014
Florida	Horse conch Triplofusus papillosus		1969
Georgia	Knobbed whelk Busycon carica		1987
Massachusetts	New England Neptune Neptunea lyrata ssp. decemcostata		1987
Mississippi	Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica		1974
New Jersey	Knobbed whelk Busycon carica ssp. gmelin		1995
New York	Bay scallop Argopecten irradians		1988
North Carolina	Scotch bonnet Semicassis granulata		1965
Oregon	Oregon hairy triton Fusitriton oregonensis		1989
Rhode Island	Quahaug Mercenaria mercenaria		1987
South Carolina	Lettered olive Oliva sayana		1984
Texas	Lightning whelk Sinistrofulgur perversum ssp. pulleyi		1987
Virginia	Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica		1974

See also

• List of U.S. state, district, and territorial insignia