The islands of the Samoan archipelago lie about 14 degrees south of the equator in the central Pacific Ocean. Politically, they are divided into two groups: Samoa (formerly Western Samoa), an indepedent state and American Samoa, a territory of the USA. The islands have been formed as a result of complex volcanic activity; they are geologically young. While many of the plants and birds of the Samoan Islands are found elsewhere in the Pacific, many of the snail species are found nowhere else on Earth. This guide is intended to permit identification of mos of the terrestrial snails, and slugs of the Samoan Islands. It is intended to be accessible to the amateur naturalist but also to provide the experienced scientist with a compact resource of information. The guide covers both the native species and the non-native, introduced species, which are generall more frequently encountered, especially at low elevations and in habits disturbed by human activities.

"A long-overdue and much-needed identification manual for the tree snails of Florida, one of the most exquisite creatures in the natural realm."--Fred G. Thompson, Florida Museum of Natural History "This new book will introduce the novice and expert alike to a wealth of new and fascinating information on one of the most colorful and variable animal species in the world. Anyone interested in the natural history of South Florida and the Florida Keys will want to have a copy of this well-illustrated and most comprehensive work."--Thomas C. Emmel, University of Florida Some of the most beautiful and vivid shells in the world are found not on the beaches but in the trees of South Florida. This colorfully illustrated book offers for the first time a comprehensive survey of these rare snails and their shells, as well as their biology, natural history, evolution, and ecology. Shells of the Liguus fasciatus tree snails display a stunning rainbow of colors, from pink, powder blue, and deep orange to chestnut and black, in patterns ranging from subtle to complex. Fifty-nine named color forms exist, and there are distinct variations within many of the forms. The author identifies all the various forms and their localities in this book. Color photographs of some 300 brilliantly hued shells illustrate the text. The migration and interbreeding of the Liguus fasciatus, including the many varieties that appear in only one defined habitat such as Matecumbe Key or Key Vaca, are described. This remarkable compilation of available information on these snails contains abundant reference material for scientists, but it is written in an informal style that will appeal to shell aficionados and amateur naturalists alike. Enthusiasts also will be interested to learn that the shells can be seen on walks through the forests of Everglades National Park and the hammocks of the Pinecrest area, and even from the road in several places in the Keys. Henry T. Close is director of the Milton H. Erickson Institute in Atlanta. He is the author of Metaphor in Psychotherapy (1999) and a lifetime collector and student of Liguus snails.

Philip's Guide to Seashells of the World is a fascinating and informative identification guide to the seashells of the world, illustrated with highly detailed and attractive artworks. More than 1,000 species are illustrated, making this the most comprehensive guide available at a comparable price.This easy-to-use identification guide covers a wide range of shells, from the common to the rare and coveted. The introductory section gives general information on molluscs and their classification, and about collecting shells.In the identification section, over 1,200 species are described and more than 1,000 are illustrated. The description of each species accompanies its illustration, detailing the size, distribution, colour and characteristic features of the shell.