The Corrugate Jewel Box, Chama congregata Conrad, 1833, resembles another local species of the Jewel Box family Chamidae, the Leafy Jewel Box, Chama macerophylla Gmelin, 1791. The Corrugate Jewel Box differs from this latter however, by its smaller size, never reaching more than 1.5 inch. The sculpture consists of corrugated radial ribs, while in the Leafy Jewel Box it is comprised of scale-like, “leafy” ornaments. Individuals of both species attach themselves to hard substrates by their bottom (left) valve. The Corrugate Jewel Box come in many colors, including white, yellow, rose, purple, brown, or any combinations of these colors.
The Corrugate Jewel Box, Chama congregata, from Sanibel Island. Photo by José H. Leal.