Sand collars

These are the egg cases of the large Lewis's moon snail, which thrives in the clam-filled sands of Comox Harbour. The collars are formed of sand held together by a clear gelatinous substance containing the microscopic eggs. The two ends of this leathery strip generally overlap, giving the appearance of a closed circle, seemingly designed to keep the case from being pushed about by the currents. The photo was taken on May 16.