BI VALVh MOLL USCA. 353 



Species of the genus Pectunculus are abundant on the shores of 

 the Mediterranean and along the Atlantic coast. If we take up at 

 hazard a handful of shells on any part of the French coast, one-third 

 will consist of Pectunculus. They are found mixed with species of 

 the genera Cardium, Venus, Solen, and Pccten. Their round and 

 robust frame attracts much attention. They form the first of those 

 charming infantile collections which are gathered at our mother's 

 feet. 



The animal which inhabits this pretty shell is moulded on its 



Fig. 154. Pectunculus pectemformis Fig. 155. Pectunculus scnptus 



(Lamarck). (Born). 



curvature; like the shell, it is round and squat; it is furnished with a 

 mouth, large, and thick for its size, and with branchiae. When the 

 animal is taken alive, it sometimes exudes a thick mucous liquid 

 over the shell, which has disgusted many a young collector with his 

 capture. 



Among numerous species of Pectunculus we note as worthy of 

 representation : P. aureflua, Reeve (Fig. 152) ; P. Delessertii, Reeve 

 ( Fi g- I 53)' f -P- pectemformis, Lamarck (Fig. 154); and P. tcriptus, 

 Born (Fig. 155), 



