Terebratellidina Muir-Wood 1955

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

This view of the ventral side shows how the ventral (larger) valve overlaps the dorsal (smaller) valve near the hinge, and has a hole through which the pedicle projects. The pedicle is a fleshy stalk used to anchor the animal to a rock.

Terebratalia transversa (Sowerby, 1846) Common Lampshell Terebratalia transversa photo taken at Rosario Marine Station Photo by: Anna Dyer, 08/02/02

As can be seen in this side view, the larger (ventral) valve overlaps the smaller valve where the pedicle exits. The ventral valve is on top. Articulate brachiopods generally live with the ventral valve upwards like this.

Terebratalia transversa (Sowerby, 1846) Common Lampshell Terebratalia transversa photo taken at Rosario Marine Station Photo by: Anna Dyer, 08/02/02

A view inside the shell, such as this view made by shining a strong light through the dorsal shell (on bottom), shows the brachial arms which support the lophophore. Such a scaffold is characteristic of Order Terebratulida.

T. transversa and the opening between the valves forms a straight line rather than a sinuous one.

Laqueus californianus shell from 120 m depth off Yellow Island, San Juan Channel, WA (Photo by: Dave Cowles, August 2007)