Lioconcha hieroglyphica (nonfiction)

Lioconcha hieroglyphica is a species of saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Veneridae, the venus clams.

Description

The shell of Lioconcha hieroglyphica reaches a maximum length of about 42 mm. The shape of the shell is trigonal with a truncated posterior. The anterodorsal margin is acutely rounded. The linule is elongated and heart-shaped. It has tan to dark brown rod-like and angular markings, often with the appearance of cuneiform or hieroglyphs. The markings may be the result of a diffusion-mediated chemical cellular automaton, like Conus textile's.[citation needed] The shell is white on the inside.[2]

It is sometimes confused with Lioconcha castrensis.

Distribution

This species is found in the waters around Hawaii, the Philippines, and the Marshall Islands.