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The Umbrella Shells

Family Umbrellidae

Genus UMBRELLA, Lam.

Shell flattened, limpet-like, thin, calcareous; foot large, thick, notched; snout large, retractile, with lobed veil; tentacles ear-like.

Six species of marine mollusks, scarcely protected by their oblong, lid-like shells, under which the branchiae and other delicate organs lie.

U. Indica, Lam., is as large as the palm of the hand, white and polished within. Outside it is rayed from the central apex with obscure brown bands.

Habitat.--East Indies.

The Mediterranean Umbrella (U. Mediterranea, Lam.) has its rows of short plumed gills scarcely under the edges of its flat shell, an absurdly small Chinese umbrella, compared with the inordinate development of the foot. The disk of leather that covers the palm, bears about the same relation to the padded portion of a boxing glove. Length, 3 inches.

Habitat.--Mediterranean.