Pododesmus rudis (Broderip, 1834) (family Anomiidae) is very similar to the Common Jingle, Anomia simplex, but can be easily separated from this latter by the rougher-looking valves, with coarser shell surface and the almost complete lack of nacre, the iridescent shell layer known as mother-of-pearl. Common and Atlantic False Jingles and other species in the family Anomiidae attach to hard surfaces (such as large, empty shells) using a peg-like byssus. The byssus passes through the bottom valve through an orifice (photo).
The Atlantic False Jingle, Pododesmus rudis, from Sanibel, about 40 mm long (1.5 inch). Photos by José H. Leal.