Not the Lightning Whelk. Its Latin name, Busycon contrarium, indicates its contrary nature. This whelk's range includes southeast Mexico and the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States. As spring comes to Amelia Island, beachcombers may find the beginnings of these interesting shells, strands of egg capsules. These shells have inhabited our waters for 60 million years and have been significant to cultures throughout that history.
Whelks are mollusks.
The shells aren't soft, but the animal that lives inside is. Not all mollusks have shells. Think of the octopus, squid and even the slug. Conversely, all animals with shells are not mollusks, such as crabs, barnacles and shrimp. All mollusks have soft bodies.