CRYPSIS
The shell of M. Rufescens is generally a plain, creamy colour which blends in well to the sandy intertidal areas that they inhabit. The majority of the time camouflage is not an issue, as they are burrowed into the substrate. The only visable sign of them when they are burrowed are their siphons, which pentrate above the sand to allow for feeding and respiration. The colour of their shell is a similar colour to the substrate that they inhabit, so they have some degree of camouflage even when they are not burrowed.
Figure 1: The inhalant and exhalant siphons can be seen here penetrating the substrate to allow for feeding and respiration. |