Southwest Florida Shells

by José H. Leal

Family Cardiidae

Papyridea lata

(Born, 1778)

Broad Paper Cockle

Shell size to 45 mm; shell delicate, compressed, gaping at posterior end. Sculpture of about 12 radial ribs bearing short spines near margin of shell. Color whitish, pink, light-purple, reddish-brown, mottled with darker tones; rarely all orange.