394 TELLININiE. 



Genus TELLINA, Linnseus. 



Shell ovate, oblong, or rounded posteriorly; beaked or 

 angular, with a flexuosity on the hind slope; surface of 

 valves smooth, or marked with transverse or radiating strise; 

 inner margin of valves smooth. Hinge with one or two 

 primary teeth in each valve ; lateral teeth present, or obso- 

 lete; ligament external. Muscular impressions oblong; 

 pallial line with a deep and wide sinus. 



Syn. Musculus, Martini. 



Ex. T. crassa, Pennant, pi. 103, fig. 6. Shell, T. 

 radiata, Linnmis, fig. 6, a, 6, b. 



The species of Tellina, including those of its numerous 

 sub-genera, have a wide geographical distribution, being 

 found in all parts of the world, although they are most 

 abundant and most highly coloured in the seas of tropical 

 regions. They range from low- water to fifty fathoms, usually, 

 however, living buried in the sand on the sea- shore. The 

 animals have the power of leaping from the surface by 

 means of their muscular foot. The valves of the shell are 

 often exquisitely coloured, and very elegant in form. 



Species of Tellina. 



Brasiliana, Spengl. radiata, Linn. 



elegans, Gray. 



Sub-gen. telinella, Gray. 



Shell oblong, elongated ; posterior side sub-rostrated, or ros- 

 trated. Hinge with two lateral teeth in one valve. 



abbreviata, Desh. angusta, Gmel. 



amoena, Desh. Antonii, Phil. 



