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The Velvet Shells

Genus VELUTINA, Flim.

Shell thin, ear-shaped, mostly external, calcareous, fragile, covered with a velvety or powdery epidermis; aperture large, round, without operculum; foot large, oblong. Marine, living among stones near low tide, or out at sea.

The Velvet Shell (V. laevigata, Pennant), found northward from Cape Cod, is a transparent pinkish shell with a horny brown epidermis, velvety along the minute revolving striae. It is about 1/2 inch in length. The same species occurs from California northward. At Vancouver Island it is about the size of a pea. The velvet and the epidermis are easily removed, after which the shell falls to pieces.

This delicate creature is able to exude a frothy white slime in considerable quantity. It is doubtless protective, serving to conceal the mollusk from enemies.