TELLINIDAE 



423 



Schrank 1803 nor Leach 18 18). In 1858, W. Stimpson gave this species a 

 new name (Amer. Journ. Sci., vol. 25, p. 125). T. elucens Mighels might be 

 this species, although it is very doubtful. 



Tellina texana Dall replaces this species in the Gulf of Mexico. It has 

 more distinct, crowded concentric lines, is more inflated and has very small, 

 microscopic striae in most specimens. Compare with T. versicolor. 



Figure 86. Interior views of southeast coast Tellins, showing outline shapes and 

 pallial sinus scars, a, Tellifia lineata Turton, i y.i inches; b, T. tmnpaejisis Conrad, 

 y., inch; c, T. mera Say and projnera Dall, % inch; d, T. sybaritica Dall, % inch; 

 e, T. similis Sowerby, i inch; f, T. agilis Stimpson and sayi Dall, ^ inch; g, 

 Qjtadrajjs lintea Conrad, % inch; h, Fhylloda sqiiajnijera Deshayes, % inch. 



Tellina versicolor DeKay DeKay's Dwarf Tellin 



New York to the south half of Florida and the West Indies. 



/4 inch in length, very similar to T. agilis, but more elongate, colored 

 white, red, pink or rayed, is more inflated, and has a nearly straight instead 

 of curved ventral margin. The exterior of versicolor has a brighter irides- 

 cence. The pallial sinus is much closer to the anterior muscle scar. 



Tellina mera Say 



Eastern Florida and the Bahamas. 



Mera Tellin 



Figure 86c 



/4 to % inch in length, roughly elliptical, moderately inflated, pure 

 opaque-white in color. Fairly thin but strong. Beaks fairly large for a Tellin, 

 touching and pointing toward each other and located nearer the posterior 

 than the center of the shell. The valves show hardly any posterior bend or 

 twist. Exterior smoothish with fine, irregular, concentric lines of growth 

 more evident near the margins. Moderately common in shallow water be- 

 tween tides. Compare with promera and tampaensis. 



