Nutricola ovalis (Dall, 1902)

oval dwarf-venus

Description: The shell has an oval shape, a rather subtle beak (umbone), and has a flattened profile. The sculpture comprises very weak commarginal striae (lines), which are most apparent on the anterior and ventral margins of the shell. The shell often has a polished appearance.

Size: 5-10 mm.

Ecology: Shallow infaunal in soft sediments from the inner to outer shelf (20-150 m water depth).

Geological range: Middle Pliocene to Recent (4-0 million years ago).

Geographic distribution: Northern Oregon (40°) to Baja California Sur, Mexico (27°N). Reported from the San Pedro Sand (Pleistocene, California) and Timms Point Silt (Pleistocene, California).

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