Shield Shells

SHIELD SHELLS Genus SCUTUS, Month Shell oblong, depressed to platter form, thick, squarish at ends, with obscure notch in front margin; apex obscure near posterior end, pointed backward; surface without radiating ribs or markings; body black or blotched with black; mantle enveloping the shell; snout and tentacles long.

S. anatinus,

Donovan, is three inches long, its shell buff in colour, with white lining, marked with orange or reddish stains. It is an Australian mollusk and interesting as a type of the most primitive genus in its family. It has no key-hole

nor slit nor groove; these characters have been progressively acquired by the family in course of its evolution.

The Giant Shield Shell (S. gigas, Martens) is pale yel low, with strong concentric waving lines and projecting edges on its thick shell. It is nearly four inches long, and three inches wide. Under the name of saru-awabi it is taken from the waters of Northern Japan and used by the natives as a staple sea food the year round.

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