Meretrix lyrata (G. B. Sowerby II, 1851)

Meretrix lyrata (G. B. Sowerby II, 1851)

Meretrix lyrata (G. B. Sowerby II, 1851)
    In vegetation near parking lot, Outback Crab Shack, County Road 13, far western St. Johns County, Florida, 12/2/2008 (46 mm.).  According to Dr. Masashi Yamaguchi, who identified the specimen, this species is now in commercial trade. It therefore appears likely that the specimen was served to a diner at the crab shack thus explaining its presence.

Original description of Cytheræa lyrata and type figure from Sowerby (1851: 621-622; sp. 33; pl. 129, fig. 61).

Meretrix lyrata (G. B. Sowerby II, 1851) Original Description

Meretrix lyrata (G. B. Sowerby II, 1851) Type Figure
Sowerby, G.B. [II], 1851. Monograph of the genus Cytheræa. Thesaurus Conchyliorum 2: 611-648 + pls. 127-136, facing plate explanations.