Shell Collection

The Malacological Collection consists of around 40,000 shell specimens that formerly formed the private collection of C.W. Melville. The collection consists of specimens from tropical and temperate marine, freshwater, and terrestrial (especially important collections of Liguus/ Oxystyla land snails) habitats. It includes extensive series from several tropical and subtropical areas, including topotypical specimens of some species. The collection is cataloged on paper.

In 2001, Chuck Kazilek & Bill Sharp used a scanning light microscope to photograph some of these specimens They exhibited the images in a show entitled 'Shells of the Desert'. You can find more of these fabulous images Here.

To arrange a visit to the collection or for more information,
please contact Anthony Gill at anthony.gill@asu.edu.