Maryland Manual 1996-1997 Maryland at a Glance / 17

STATE FOSSIL SHELL. In 1994, the shell of
the Ecphora gardnerae gardnerae (Wilson), an ex-
tinct 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. Geo-
logical 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.

STATE INSECT. The Baltimore Checkerspot
Butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton) is the official
arthropodic emblem of the State (Chapter 253,
Acts of 1973; Code State Government Article, sec.
13-301(a)).

STATE REPTILE. The Diamondback Terrapin
(Malaclemys terrapin) is the State reptile and offi-
cial mascot of the University of Maryland College
Park (Chapter 476, Acts of 1994; Code State Gov-
ernment Article, sec. 13-313). This attractive turtle
is distinguished by diamond shaped, concentric
rings on the scutes of its upper shell (carapace).
Chesapeake colonists ate terrapin prepared Native-
American fashion, roasted whole in live coals.
Abundant and easy to catch, terrapin were so ample
that landowners often fed their slaves and inden-
tured servants a staple diet of terrapin meat. Ironi-
cally, in the nineteenth century, the citizenry came
to appreciate this common turtle as gourmet food,
especially in a stew laced with cream and sherry.
Subsequently, tremendous retail demand and heavy
fishing of the terrapin nearly depleted its supply, and
protective laws were enacted. In 1891, some
89,000 lbs. of terrapin were harvested from Mary-
land waters. With few exceptions, annual harvests
since 1956 have remained below 11,000 lbs.
Chesapeake diamondbacks are predators whose
preference for unpolluted salt water make them
indicators of healthy marsh and river systems. In
winter, they hibernate underwater in mud. With
spring's warmth in May, diamondback terrapin
emerge to mate and bask in the sun on marshy
banks.