Texas State Shell

Lightning Whelk Busycon perversum pulleyi Adopted: April 14, 1987

Texas State Shell: Lightning Whelk

The lightning whelk, Busycon perversum pulleyi became the state shell of the State of Texas when Governor Bill Clements signed House Concurrent Resolution No. 75 on April 14, 1987.

H.C.R. No. 75

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized certain terrestrial forms indigenous to the state as official state symbols; and

WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, the mockingbird, the topaz, and the palmwood are examples of some natural specimens that serve to symbolize the rich diversity of the plains, forests, skies, and mountains of our vast state; and

WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the Lightning Whelk as the State Shell of Texas will provide suitable recognition for the beautiful beaches and inlets of our Gulf Coast region; and

WHEREAS, Texas' coastlands, bays, and tidal flats provide a total of 634 miles of valuable natural resources and recreation areas, attracting thousands of visitors annually to this lush locality; and

WHEREAS, The Lightning Whelk, Busycon perversum pulleyi, is one of the most attractive and plentiful of the many shells lining our lovely beaches; and

WHEREAS, Found only along the West Coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the Lightning Whelk received its Latin name in honor of the late Dr. T. E. Pulley, a well-known Texas naturalist and teacher; and

WHEREAS, Of approximately 100,000 varieties of shells worldwide, the Lightning Whelk is the best known and one of the very few shells that normally opens on its left side; and

WHEREAS, The delicately sculptured specimen recently received national recognition when it was selected to appear on one of the first shell stamps ever printed by the United States Postal Service; and

WHEREAS, As enchanting as it is unique, the Lightning Whelk is the ideal choice for a state shell and will serve as a fitting emblem of the exceptional beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast region; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 70th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate the Lightning Whelk, Busycon perversum pulleyi, as the State Shell of Texas.

At this time, Busycon perversum pulleyi is considered an invalid name. Busycon pulleyi is considered the appropriate name.

Picky, picky, picky...

Perhaps we're being too picky, but we think this designation is flawed. Here's why.

Busycon pulleyi is a large sea snail that lives along the west coast of the Gulf of Mexico. A sea snail carries a shell with it.

We know that the various species of sea snails can be differentiated by the shapes of their shells.

Texas has designated the lightning whelk their official state shell, but shouldn't they have more precisely designated the shell of the lettered olive their official state shell?

Most of the states that have designated official shells, like Texas, have not made the distinction but the most recent members of the official state shell club, New Jersey and Delaware, have passed legislation that carefully stipulates that it is the "shell of..." that they are recognizing, not the animal itself.

Texas Law

The lightning whelk was named the official shell of the State of Texas by House Concurrent Resolution and is not, therefore, listed in the Texas Statutes.

Only a few of Texas' myriad symbols were actually adopted by an act of the legislature and written into the Texas Statutes.

Sources...

Willy, John. The State of Texas. Texas State Legislature. House Concurrent Resolution No. 75. Austin: The State of Texas, 1987. Web.
Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols: A Historical Guide Third Edition, Revised and Expanded. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 3 Sub edition, 2001.

Additional Information

Lightning Whelk, the State Shell Of Texas: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Busycon perversum pulleyi Hollister, 1958: Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) Here you will find authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

State shells: Complete list of official state shells from NETSTATE.COM.

More symbols & emblems: Complete list of official Texas state symbols from NETSTATE.COM.

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