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Solen marginatus (Pulteney, 1799)

Author: Steve Wilkinson on 5 December 2009

Description

Straight sided shell up to about 12cm in length. Yellow in colour with light brown periostracum. Shell sculptured with smooth concentric lines and prominent groove just behind the front margin, Growth stages clear.

Key identification features

  • Only one tooth in the left valve and no hozontal teeth
  • Vertical groove on the outside of the shell behind front margin
  • Anterior adductor scar not as long as ligament

Ecology

Burrows in sand or muddy sand in the sublittoral.

Exterior and interior of left valve annotated to show pallial sinus and muscle scars
Image ©

Steve Wilkinson

Additional images

  • Outside of left valve
  • Outside of right valve
  • Inside of right valve
  • Inside of left valve
  • Hinge detail on left valve
  • Hinge detail on right valve
  • Outside of right valve
  • Vertical groove on the outside of the shell behind front margin

All images copyright of the photographer - see "View image details".

Recorded UK distribution