European Wing Shell

Pteria hirundo is a species of bivalve belonging to the family Pteriidae.

The species is found in Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Right and left valve of the same specimen:

Right valve

Left valve

Type of larval development: not documented [inferred from similar species to be planktotrophic]

Species of medium size, usually 60-70 mm, but occasionally more than 100 mm, strongly inequilateral with maximum extension towards the posteroventral edge. Cardinal line very long, with a blunt triangular ear and a long and narrow projection on the posterior side. External surface smooth, with irregular flat scales towards the ventral margin and a well developed periostracum; brown with darker radial bands. Edge of the shell smooth, very thin and fragile, often fragmented. Interior nacreous except for the area bordering the ventral margin. Muscle scar circular, situated at the upper 2/3 near the vertical midline. Ligament extending from the umbo to almost half of the posterior projection. Animal byssally attached to the substrate, often gorgonians or other elevated positions.

Eastern Atlantic, from the British Isles to Angola, also in the Canary and Cape Verde Islands; Mediterranean. Gorringe, Ampère, Seine and Josephine seamounts, uncommon in 165-280 m

Known from seamounts and knolls