Maryland State Fossil Shell
Ecphora gardnerae gardnerae (Wilson)

In 1994, the shell of the Ecphora gardnerae gardnerae (Wilson), an extinct snail, was named the State fossil shell (Chapter 688, Acts of 1994; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-311). The Ecphora inhabited Chesapeake Bay and other East Coast tidal waters some 3 million years ago.

This russet-colored fossil shell derives its genus name from the Greek ekphora, meaning "protruding." The more recent species designation of gardnerae is in honor of U.S. Geological Survey paleontologist Julia Gardner. The subspecies name is a repetition of the species name, and the name "Wilson" denotes the person who originated the species name.

Maryland State Symbols
Maryland at a Glance

Maryland Manual On-Line