Junonia found on Captiva
Melissa DeRosa, of Carmel, Indiana, found a junonia not long after dawn on April 8 in the surf on the south end of Captiva. Anticipating a long rainy day, but finding a break in the rain, she headed out to the beach a few hours after low tide for a quick shell peek before the next storm. DeRosa reported that there were few shells in the sand, so she checked the surf for any rollers being washed in, expecting the usuals. “Incredibly, this junonia washed up — a little beaten up, but a real treasure, just the same,” she said. DeRosa added that they have been spring breaking on the island every year for years and enjoy learning about the variety of shells and all things native to Florida. “As for many, Florida is our happy place,” she said. “Stay strong, Sanibel and Captiva!” To report a shell find, contact 239-472-1587 or trepecki@breezenewspapers.com.