Description: A solid bivalve with a distinctive shape that reaches up to 4.5 cm. The right valve is slightly more convex and more rough than the left. Colour can vary from light yellow, to pink, orange or a light brown, and they may sometimes have banding. The outer surface of the shell may be covered in part by the light brown periostracum. There are concentric ridges on the outer surface of the shell, which may be wider towards the edge of the shell. Growth stages are visible as groupings of these ridges in pale colour bands. Two cardinal teeth on each valve, posterior bifid on right, anterior on left. Right valve has one prominent posterior lateral tooth and a small anterior. Left valve only has one short posterior lateral tooth. Inside of shell a deep orange with a white border. Very deep pallial sinus.

Habitat: Muddy sand from lower shore to around 40 m.

Distribution: Scattered records from around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Should be distinguished by its distinctive shape as well as inspection of other features.

Key Identification Features:

• Distinctively shaped bivalve up to 4.5 cm.
• Right valve rougher and more convex.
• Concentric ridges on outer surface which may be grouped into growth stages.
• Two cardinal teeth on each valve, posterior bifid on right, anterior on left.
• Inside of shell deep orange with white border.

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

iNaturalist: Bosemprella incarnata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Bosemprella incarnata

WoRMS: Bosemprella incarnata at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Bosemprella incarnata (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 849065.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Euheterodonta; Imparidentia; Cardiida; Tellinoidea; Tellinidae; Tellininae; Bosemprella