The Limpets. Tent Shells 



with a shell lining like smoked pearl. P. compressa from the 

 Philippines has its thin, yellow, finely striated shells drawn in at 

 the sides, elevating the apex. 



P. Mexicana, reported as found in Mexico and Central 

 America, is the giant of its family — of all the limpets. Its shell is 

 ponderous, bowl-shaped, and from six to fourteen inches long. 

 It is often used as a wash basin in Central America. The lining is 

 white and hard, like porcelain. The live animal is black, streaked 

 with white. 



P. pectinata, Born., is typical of the cap-shaped limpets, 

 in which the apex points forward and the slope behind it is 

 decidedly curved. Its ribs are black, and prickly, with buflf 

 or pink valleys between. Length, i to ij inches. 



Habitat. — Cape of Good Hope. 



Limpets of this shape are often called "clowns' caps." 

 Among the key-hole limpets genera of cap-shaped shells are 

 also found. The "white cap" in Acmaea also has this form. 



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