Turkey Wing - Ark Shells


I am not certain, but piecing together the information from two shell identification books, this shell may be called "Turkey Wing" and classed among Ark Shells.

Any further helpful identification would be appreciated.

The turkey wing (Arca zebra) is also called a zebra ark; it's found from NC to Brazil.
Terri K. Hathaway
Marine Education Specialist
North Carolina Sea Grant
http://www.ncseagrant.org/


Classed under Bivalves
Ark-Shaped - arks (Arcidae)
Turkey Wing Arca zebra (Swainson)
Description: (3.5 inches) Elongate shell. Ribs at rear not beaded. Straight hinge line with many small, chevron-shaped teeth. Resembles mossy ark except bottom edge neither crenulated nor strongly concave. Live specimens often covered by a shaggy periostracum and/or encrusting organisms.
Color: Yellowish white or yellowish brown exterior with reddish brown zebra-stripe markings. Whitish to pale lavender interior.
Habitat: Attaches to shells or rocks on offshore fishing grounds or near-shore hard surfaces. Commonly found on ocean beaches.
Range: North Carolina to Brazil.
Notes: Also called a zebra ark. It attaches to objects by a byssus and is often difficult to see because of encrusting growths. Abbott (1974) reports it is served in Bermuda as part of a baked pie.
Source: Seashells of North Carolina, North Carolina Sea Grant College Program

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