Handy Pocket Guide to Tropical Seashells by Pauline Fiene-Severns & Mike Severns & Ruth Dyerly

Author:Pauline Fiene-Severns & Mike Severns & Ruth Dyerly
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-4629-0730-4
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Dove Shells

Family Columbellidae

Aesopus spiculum, Pointed dove shell, 14 mm

Pyrene flava, Yellow dove shell, 19 mm

Pyrene punctata, Telescoped dove shell, 22 mm

Columbella scripta, Script dove shell, 17 mm

Although small, most species of dove shells generally have polished, fusiform shells that are often quite colorful and unusually patterned. Many are so individually variable within the species that they have presented problems for taxonomists. Some confusion has resulted as several names were given to the same species.

Not only are dove shells varied in shape and color pattern, but they are also varied in their habits. Many are herbivorous, and can often be found on algae which they rasp with tiny, chitinous teeth, while others are carnivorous, feeding on anemones. Especially active at night, these shells can be seen most often foraging for food in the evening on sand and among rocks. During the day some species are found on sand while others can be found clinging to the undersides of rocks in tide pools and down to moderate depths. Dove shells lay hemispherical eggs on the hard surfaces beneath rocks, in cracks and other protected places.

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