76 WEST AMERICAN SHELLS 
Figure 64 is a rather poor picture 
of Donaxlevigata, Desh., the Smooth 
Wedge-shell, (D. californicus). This 
species is found abundantly in 
southern California, living just 
under the surface of the sand. It is short and 
stumpy, cut nearly square off at one end and 
tapering to a rounded point at the other. The 
edges are finely crenulated. In color the shells vary 
from white to purple, and are often beautifully 
striped. This species is sometimes used for food, 
in spite of its small size. 
Donax californica, Conr., the California Wedge- 
shell, (Donax flexuosus), is quite distinct from the 
last, and is easily distinguished by the fact that it 
is thinner, lighter, and the posterior end is much 
more prolonged, bringing the beaks nearer the 
middle of the shell. Less highly colored than the 
last. This species includes D. navicula, Hanley. 
