Busycon sinistrum Hollister, 1958

   It's not unusual to find Busycon sinistrum feeding on clams (Mercenaria) since they appear to be their preferred prey in northeast Florida. However, it is unusual to find a specimen as optimistic as the 9-inch (about 235 mm.) specimen depicted below. While the presence of even larger dead Mercenaria shells in the same general area indicates that a meal will likely be forthcoming, considering the size and weight of the intended prey, it may not be anytime soon.

Busycon sinistrum Hollister, 1958 (Living Specimen)

Big Talbot Island, Duval Co., Florida  1/28/2006