Marine Species Identification Portal : Loripes lacteus

(Linné, 1758)

Description:
The shell is approximately circular, almost equivalve. Umbones are distinct, medially situated but curving anteriorly beyond midline. Lunule is short and deep, no escutcheon; ligament is deeply inset and hidden. Left valve with a bifid anterior and a single posterior cardinal teeth, right valve with a single anterior and bifid posterior. Each valve with a single anterior and posterior lateral teeth, often indistinct. Sculpture of numerous fine, concentric lines, growth stages are clear. Pallial line is distinct, anterior adductor scar is elongate-oval, fused with the pallial line along the dorsal one-third of its anterior border (L. lacteus).

Size:
Up to 20 mm long.

Colour:
White or cream, periostracum with very pale beige tints. Inner surfaces are white.

Habitat:
In sand and fine gravel, from the lower shore to at least 150 m.

Distribution:
Reported from the Channel, off Northumberland coast, and from the Isle of Man (Distr. L. lacteus); distributed south to the Mediterranean and west Africa.

Loripes lacteus