Pteriidae

Pteria hirundo

The wing clams ( Pteriidae ) are a family of shells and belong to the order Pterioida. Precursor forms, and close relatives of the family we already know from the Lower Ordovician.

Occurrence

The wing clams family lives with many species and genera in warm and tropical seas. With their byssus threads they attach themselves to rocks or coral.

Construction

The shells of the wing shells are usually shaped more or less obliquely oval. The castle is straight, often extended to the rear. In the castle there are 1-2 tooth-like projections. The shell exterior is usually scaly, the inside is lined with mother of pearl covered (see usage).

System

3 genera:

• Pteria only European type: Pteria hirundo (Linnaeus, 1758)

• No European species:

• Only European species Pinctada radiata ( Leach, 1814)

Use

Some species of the genus Pinctada are used for pearl farming.