Chlamys hastata (G.B. Sowerby II, 1842)

spiny scallop

Description: Shell shape is subequivalve, taller than wide, with anterior auricles larger than posterior, and a deep byssal notch. Sculpture comprises numerous primary radial ribs with strong imbricated (stacked) spines, and coarsely scaled riblets in the interspaces between primary radial ribs. Color is variable, but usually pink or yellow, with radial or commarginal streaks.

Size: 60-80 mm.

Ecology: Epifaunal and attached on coarse sediment or hard substrates from the intertidal zone to outer shelf (0-160 m of water depth).

Geological range: Reported from as early as the Miocene, but widespread from the Pliocene to the Recent (5-0 million years ago). Geologically early records require validation.

Geographic distribution: Alaska (60°N) to southern California (32°N) and the northwestern Pacific (Kamchatka). Reported from the Purisima Formation (Pliocene, California), Salada Formation (Pliocene, Baja California), Ust’-Limimtevayamskaya horizon (Pliocene, Kamchatka),  Saanich Formation (Pleistocene, Washington), Lomita Marl (Pleistocene, California), San Pedro Sand (Pleistocene, California), and Quaternary terrace deposits of California and Baja California.

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