« Shell somewhat inequilateral, the posterior or narrower side being longer (in the proportion of between 6 and 7 to 5) than the other side, with a downward slope from the beak to each end; it is moderately convex, not very thin, semi-transparent, and glossy. Sculpture: numerous fine concentric and close-set striae, and an angular ridge from the beak to the longer side; the striae are partially or wholly wanting in some specimens. Colour: pearl- white under the epidermis, which is pale yellowish-brown and shiny. Margins rounded at the anterior side, and extended on the other or longer side to a wedge-like point, being as it were pinched up at that end; lower margin nearly semicircular. Beaks very small, as well as the cartilage and pit. Teeth from ten to twelve on each side, minute near the beaks and becoming spike-shaped towards the outer end, where they decrease in size. Inside polished, with a smooth and sharp edge. Muscular scars distinct. » – J. G. Jeffreys: Leda acuminata in “Mediterranean Mollusca”, Annals and Magazine of Natural History, s.4 vol. VI, London 1870, via BHL.

« Hitherto known only as a Sicilian fossil, Professor Seguenza having kindly sent me specimens from the neighbourhood of Messina, as L. Messanensis. As he has not described it, I venture to prefer the characteristic name which I had given to the species when I dredged it off the west coast of Ireland to the local named proposed by him. » – Ibid.

John Gwyn Jeffreys pictured in the Journal of Conchology vol. IV (1883-1885), in the context of his obituary. « For nearly sixty-five years he had been engaged in the study of conchology, and increasing years had not diminished but rather heightened his ardour as a collector and a student. »