how do you measure shells??

[keira]

hi
probably another of my stupid questions, but if you dont ask. where do you measure the shell, is it length from front to tail and the width i dont have a clue
thanks

[Deleted]

If a species has a shell that is higher than it is wide, then people usually go on the shell height (the measurement from the apex to the bottom of the aperture), e.g. Achatina fulica would be say 120mm

if a species has a shell wider than it is high, people usually measure by the shell width, the distance from one side of the body whorl to the other at the widest point, e.g. Helix aspersa would be about 32mm

hope this helps

Mike

[Ryan]

Well thats pretty comprehensive,I needn`t have typed this !

[keira]

thank you soo much, it can be a bit confusing but it makes sense thanks for all your help, im learning soooo much lol