One of the least known local medium-sized clams, the Chalky Pitar, Pitar simpsoni (Dall, 1895) has a mostly whitish clam-shaped shell, with a polished surface and crowded growth lines. The Chalky Pitar generally resembles its gaudier cousin, the Lightning Pitar (Pitar fulminatus (Menke, 1828), also found locally), but lacks the strong brownish “lightning” markings seen on this latter species. The Chalky Pitar is also smaller, having a “higher” shell, with stronger hinge.
The Chalky Pitar, Pitar simpsoni, from Sanibel. Photo by José H. Leal.
