Description: A solid, circular bivalve that reaches around 2 cm in diameter. It is white in colour but may have a hint of yellow. Periostracum may add some slight beige colouring. There are concentric lines and finer radiating lines (that may not be easily visible). The main part of the external ligament is deeply inset at the hinge line, effectively making it hidden, with a much smaller part of the ligament directly above this. 2 cardinal teeth in each valve, posterior bifid in right and anterior bifid in left. Both valves have 1 small posterior and 1 small anterior lateral tooth. Pallial line and adductor muscle scars are fused.

Habitat: Sandy clay, sand and muddy gravel from low water down to around 150 m.

Distribution: Most records are from south of Britain and west coast of Ireland. A few scattered records elsewhere.

Similar Species: Compare with Lucinoma borealis which differs principally in the shape and position of the ligament. Could also potentially be confused with Myrtea spinifera.

Key Identification Features:

• Main part of external ligament deeply inset at hinge line.
• Smaller part of ligament directly above this.
• Fused pallial line and adductor muscle scars.

Distribution Map from NBN: Loripes orbiculatus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Loripes orbiculatus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Loripes orbiculatus

WoRMS: Loripes orbiculatus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Loripes orbiculatus Poli, 1795. AphiaID: 875379.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Euheterodonta; Imparidentia; Lucinida; Lucinoidea; Lucinidae; Lucininae; Loripes