download pdf

Lives of the Other Molliisks 51
now in our leading museums. Hitherto unknown species await the enthusi-
astic speciahst in chitons.
Except for the more easily recognized and common species, such as
the Pacific Coast Katherina tunicata and A7mcula stelleri, most identifica-
tions require a simple understanding of the various parts of the shells and
the patience to remove one or two of the eight valves for observation under
a hand lens. Tourist collectors have little time to devote to the special but
simple methods of collecting and preserving chitons, and unless they are
willing to take to the shore a bucket, penknife, some thin slabs of wood or
small glass plates and some soft twine, it w ould be best for them to concen-
trate their searches on the olives and cowries.
No one man has done more for the encouragement of chiton collecting
in America than Dr. S. Stillman Berry of Redlands, Cahfomia, and we can-
not do better than to follow his simple directions. Curled-up specimens
in collections signify ignorance of methods or lack of time while in the
field. The chitons are easily flipped from the rock surfaces by quickly in-
serting a knife blade beneath the edge of the animal. If the chiton is then
quickly transferred to the wet surface of a piece of shingle or glass of the
appropriate width, it may be possible to flatten the creature before it curls
into a ball. Wood and chiton should be tightly wound with twine or strips
of cotton cloth, so that the animal will die in this flattened position. The
bound chiton may be soaked in 60 to 80 percent alcohol for an hour or more,
or in fresh water, for killing. Unbind, scrape the meat away from the under-
side, being careful not to damage the outer rim or girdle. Rewrap on the
wood and set in the hot sun or oven to dry thoroughly. If scientific study
is to be done at a later date, it is best to keep a few specimens permanently
in a jar of about 70 percent alcohol. When specimens roll up before they
can be straightened against your piece of wood, they may be dropped into
the bucket of sea water where they will eventually straighten out and allow
a second attempt of transfer.
Habitats of chitons are usually specialized for each species, some being
found only on the underside of rocks between the tide levels, others on
wave-dashed headlands, a few in tidepools, others only in deeper waters
off-shore. Phiiia pen shells recently cast ashore often have tiny chitons at-
tached on the outside of the shell. Those who do not have dredging facilities
may acquire the latter species through exchange or by purchase from several
of our excellent shell dealers. A watchful eye and variation in collecting
localities will soon bring familiarization with the various habitats of most
of the species.