The Stubby Solecurtus, Solecurtus sanctaemarthae, d'Orbigny, 1853, is a species recently recorded from Captiva Island. A single valve of the species was collected in the water at low tide on the gulf side of mid-Captiva in early May by Kimberly Nealon. The species belongs to a group of bivalves with elongate shells that include two local species, the Purplish and the Stout Tagelus. The Stubby Tagelus is a burrower that has a large body that can never be completely withdrawn inside the shell. The shell is pure white, and the two valves, when together, have a cylindrical shape. In addition, when disturbed, Solecurtus can dispose of its long siphons, which may be regenerated by the animal in due time.
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The Stubby Solecurtus, Solecurtus sanctaemarthae. Photos by José H. Leal.