What is a moon snail sand collar?

A moon snail sand collar combines eggs, sand, and a gelatin-like substance. A collar left on the beach is fragile and may break when picked up.

What does a skate egg case look like?

A skate egg case is black with four tendrils. An empty case has an exit slit at either end.

What should I do with an intact egg case?

Leave it closed and do not collect it because it may contain developing animals.

Beach egg cases

Identify whelk strings, sand collars, and skate cases

Common beach egg cases include whelk strings, moon snail sand collars, and skate cases. Do not open or collect an egg case that may contain developing animals.

Sources checked August 23, 2026: North Carolina Sea Grant beachcombing guide (opens in a new tab) and UF/IFAS Extension whelk egg case article (opens in a new tab) .

Three common forms

Whelk strings

Look for a long string of coin-shaped capsules. Intact capsules may contain developing whelks.

Moon snail sand collars

Look for a fragile collar made of sand.

Skate cases

Look for a black case with four tendrils and an exit slit.

What this page covers

This record gives general identification and response guidance for common beach egg cases.

It does not report a Surfside Beach sighting, local abundance, season, local species, collection rule, legal allowance, viability promise, rescue instruction, or phone number.

Source: North Carolina Sea Grant beachcombing guide (opens in a new tab) · Source: UF/IFAS Extension whelk egg case article (opens in a new tab)

Beach egg case questions

What does a whelk egg case look like?: A whelk egg case is a long string of coin-shaped capsules. Intact capsules may contain developing whelks.; Sources: North Carolina Sea Grant beachcombing guide (opens in a new tab), UF/IFAS Extension whelk egg case article (opens in a new tab)
What is a moon snail sand collar?: A moon snail sand collar combines eggs, sand, and a gelatin-like substance. A collar left on the beach is fragile and may break when picked up.; Source: North Carolina Sea Grant beachcombing guide (opens in a new tab)
What does a skate egg case look like?: A skate egg case is black with four tendrils. An empty case has an exit slit at either end.; Source: North Carolina Sea Grant beachcombing guide (opens in a new tab)
What should I do with an intact egg case?: Leave it closed and do not collect it because it may contain developing animals.; Sources: North Carolina Sea Grant beachcombing guide (opens in a new tab), UF/IFAS Extension whelk egg case article (opens in a new tab)