Read Next
Discover
Animals & Nature
Leptodesma
fossil clam genus
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites
Category:
Animals & Nature
- Related Topics:
- Silurian Period
- bivalve
- Devonian Period
- fossil
- Mississippian Subperiod
Leptodesma, extinct genus of pelecypods (clams) found as fossils in Silurian to Lower Carboniferous rocks (between about 444 million and 318 million years old). Its distinct shell, roughly oval except for a sharp outgrowth that extends posteriorly, makes Leptodesma easy to identify. A troughlike flange connects the spinous outgrowth to the main body of the shell. Concentric growth lines are also present.