392 



American Seashells 



Genus Chmna Linne 1758 

 Chama vmcerophylla Gmelin Leafy Jewel Box 



Plate 37b-, figure 79b 



North Carolina to southeast Florida and the West Indies. 



This is the most common and most brightly hued Atlantic species. In 

 quiet waters it may develop spine-like foliations to such an extent that it 

 resembles the Spiny Oyster, Spondylus. Exterior variously colored: lemon- 

 yellow, reddish brown, deep- to dull-purple, orange, white, or a combination 

 of these colors. Inner edges of the valves have tiny, axial ridges or crenula- 

 tions. The scale-like fronds have minute radial lines. Compare with sinuosa. 



Figure 79, Atlantic Chamas. Diagrammatic drawings of the deep valves, showing 

 direction of growth and the juncture of the pallial line and muscle scars, a, Chmiia 

 sinuosa Broderip; b, Chama inacerophylla Gmelin; c, Fseiidochama radians 



Lamarck. 



Chama congregata Conrad Little Corrugated Jewel Box 



Plate 37d 

 North Carolina to Florida and the West Indies. 



Rarely over i inch in size. This species closely resembles the common 

 J77acerophylla, but in place of numerous foliations there are low axial corru- 

 gations or wavy cords. The unattached valve may have a few short, flat 

 spines. There are fine crenulations on the inner margins of the valves. The 

 color is usually dull with darker specklings. In rocky areas they live in crev- 

 ices and under stones. Commonly found attached to pen and ark shells. 



Chama sinuosa Broderip White Smooth-edged Jewel Box 



Figure 79a 



South half of Florida and the West Indies. 



I to 3 inches in size. The color is always whitish, although the interior 

 may be stained with dull-green. There are no crenulations on the inner edges 



