9 inches long Left Handed Whelk Shells, also referred to as Lightning Whelk Shells,  Busycon sinistrum. Our left-handed whelks are Real - Not Imitation.  They are commercial grade and may have small imperfections such as tiny holes, chipped edges, scratches and other blemishes.  They are the State Shell of Texas.  Left-Handed Whelks, Lightning Whelks, are a pale colored shell accented with brown stripes and they have either a tan or orange mouth opening.  These shells are used for seashell crafts, displaying air plants and for seashell decor.  

The Left-Handed Whelk or Lightning Whelk Shell is the State Shell of Texas.   Busycon sinistrum is a large edible predatory sea snail. Sinistrum is Latin for left. The size of the shell varies between 7.9 to 17.7 inches in length.   This species normally has a sinistral (left-handed) shell, thus the scientific name. (When the shell is held with the spiral end up, the opening is on the left side.) The spire is low and the siphonal canal is long. There is a distinct shoulder where the spire meets the body whorl; knobs of small to moderate size are found at the shoulder. The base color of the shell is variable but is usually pale, and the shell is marked with dark stripes that run down its long axis.