Description: This solid but brittle bivalve reaches a maximum size of 4 cm, although is more commonly smaller. It can vary in colour from light yellow to olive green and sometimes has cream, white, pale yellow or red-brown rays on the outer surface of the shell. The umbones are sometimes purple. The shell may be partially covered by the periostracum which is a glossy yellow to olive colour. Growth stages are clearly visible and there are some very fine concentric lines on the outer shell surface. Each valve has 2 cardinal teeth, on the right the posterior is bifid and on the left the anterior is bifid. Right has 2 posterior and 1 anterior lateral tooth, left valve has 1 posterior and 1 anterior. The inside of the shell is white but may have purple or orange staining. The pallial sinus is deep.

Habitat: In sand, from the low shore to shallow sublittoral.

Distribution: Most records of this species are from the south and southwest of Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with Donax vittatus, and the two species often co-occur, however it lacks the marginal crenulations of Donax variegatus and is a more irregular shape.

Key Identification Features:

• Umbones may be purple.
• Growth stages visible.
• 2 cardinal teeth on each valve, posterior bifid on right and anterior bifid on left.
• Shell margin very finely serrated.

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

iNaturalist: Donax variegatus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Donax variegatus

WoRMS: Donax variegatus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Donax variegatus (Gmelin, 1791). AphiaID: 152220.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Euheterodonta; Imparidentia; Cardiida; Tellinoidea; Donacidae; Donax