[syn. Cypraea spadicea]Chestnut CowryCypraeidaeRange: Monterey, California, U.S.A. to central Baja, Mexico. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California
[syn. Cypraea mappa]Map cowryCypraeidaeUndersidewww.flickr.com/photos/dweickhoff/6477942231/in/datetaken-...NOTE: I have not collected live shells since the mid-1970's. I believe that the animal itself is much more valuable alive than destroyed for its shell. It is for this reason that I will now only collect beach/forest shells from deceased specimens.
This important palm goes by names such as Moriche, Buriti, Aguaje and Canangulo. It grows in wet areas through tropical South America, here at Calanoa Lodge beside the Amazon River in Colombia. In context at www.dixpix.ca/Amazon/flora/palms/index.html