Venerupis senegalensis (Gmelin, 1791)
Pullet Carpet-shell
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Recorded UK distribution of Venerupis senegalensis
Includes data provided by:Marine Biological Association, Centre for Environmental Data and Recording, Marine Conservation Society, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Conchological Society of Great Britain & Ireland, Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales & Scottish Natural Heritage
Description
Solid shell up to about 5cm in length. Cream, grey, light brown or yellowish in colour sometimes with rays, streaks or blotches of brown or purple. Sculpture of numerous concentric rings with fine radiating lines. Concentric ribs generally stronger on the posterior area of the shell. Each valve has three cardinal teeth; the centre tooth on the left valve and centre and posterior on the right valve bifid.
Key identification features
- Pallial sinus partially confluent with the pallial line
- Sculpture of concentric ridges crossed by delicate lines
Habitat & ecology
Shallow burrower (up to 5cm deep) in sand or muddy gravel at the base of rcoks or dead shells to which it is generally attached by byssus threads. Feeds by filtering phytoplankton.
Similar species
(View comparison chart)- Tapes rhomboides lacks radial lines and tends to be more oblong. Concentric lines are coarser and further apart.
- Tapes decussatus has much coarser radial lines giving the valves a decussate appearance
European distribution
Recorded from the North of Nroway to the Iberian Peninsula and into the Mediterranean.