MARINE MOLLUSCA OF THE UNITED STATES. 163 
Genus ASTARTE, Sowerby. 
Min. Conch., t. 1387. 1816. 
Animal with mantle open; margins plain or slightly fringed ; 
siphonal orifices simple ; foot moderate, tongue-shaped ; lips large, 
palpi lanceolate; gills nearly equal, united behind, and attached 
to the siphonal band. A 
The genus is Arctic in distribution ; a few species found in warm 
climates are scarcely typical. 
1. A. BOREALIS, Chemnitz. Fig. 407. 
Conch. Cab., vii. t. 39, f. 412. 1784. 
Astarte semisuleata, Leach, Ann. Phil., xiv. f. 204. Gould, Invert. Mass., 
edita a1 21eetS 70: 
Astarte lactea, Gould, Invert. Mass., edit. i. 80. 1841. 
Shell orbicular elliptical, compressed, with remote, obtuse, 
rounded ridges; beaks nearly central; epidermis yellowish-brown, 
an obsolete lateral tooth in each valve ; margin plain. 
Length 27.5, height 25 mill. 
; New England to Arctic Ocean. 
2. A. CASTANEA, Say. Figs. 408, 409, 410. 
Journ. Philad. Acad., ii. 278. 1822. 
Shell thick and heavy, subtrigonal, with prominent and nearly 
central beaks, much more elevated than usual in the genus. Sur- 
face with minute wrinkles and larger concentric waves, and faint 
traces of radiating lines. Anterior area very deeply excavated, 
short, broad, and smooth; posterior slope almost straight, with a 
long narrow lanceolate depression. Margin internally crenulated. 
Epidermis chestnut-brown. ; 
Length and height 1 inch. 
New England to New Jersey. 
The foot of the animal is a bright vermilion color. The high 
beaks curved forwards, giving the shell a somewhat kidney-form 
appearance, will distinguish this species from all others. It is the 
only species occurring as far south as southern coast of New Jer- 
sey, where it is not uncommon. 
3. A. compREssA, Montagu. Fig. 411. 
(Venus.) Test. Brit. Suppl. 48, t. 26, f.1. 1808. 
Astarte striata, Gray. Append. Beechey’s Voy., t. 44, f. 9. 
Astarte Banksit, Leach, Append. Ross’ Voy. 1819. 
Shell small, ovate-triangular, elevated, beaks prominent, acute ; 
. 
