M-760 COQUINA, Donax variabilis

These are delightful little clams that live a precarious existence at the edge of the wave-swept, exposed outer beaches, rapidly burrowing and feeding between incoming and outgoing waves. Their highly polished shells come in a multitude of colors, greens, reds, oranges, purples, and consequently they are often called “butterfly shells.” People harvest them by the thousands to make a delicious broth. When placed in a dish of sand they immediately extend their foot and long double siphon and pull themselves down into the sand with spasmodic jerks. Size 1-2.5 cm. Most abundant in summer months.