Image of Siliqua Megerle von Mühlfeld 1811

Description:

This species is a rapid digger, as shown by this series of photos taken within a short time of one another. In the photo above, the posterior end with the siphons is to the left. The foot has been extended out of the anterior end of the shell on the right, pressed into the sand, expanded, and is being retracted to pull the shell downward. In the photo below the clam has pulled itself farther into the sand and is proceeding to bury itself out of sight. Photos on low intertidal beach at Kalaloch, WA by Dave Cowles July, 2005