Description: A solid bivalve that can reach up to 4 cm and is broadly circular in outline. The colour ranges from a dirty white to fawn or light brown. It is usually yellow to pink near the umbones. Outer surface of shell may be covered in part by the light yellow periostracum. Growth stages are obvious and there are many very fine concentric lines on the shell surface. 3 cardinal teeth on each valve, and on the left valve there is an anterior lateral tooth that fits into a groove on the right valve. Pallial sinus deep and described as triangular.

Habitat: Fine sand, coarse sand. muddy sand and shelly gravel from the low water mark down to over 120 m depth.

Distribution: Widespread around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with the rayed Artemis Dosinia exoleta which has a more textured shell and is slightly bigger. May also be confused with Mysia undata which has a much thinner, fragile shell.

Key Identification Features:

• Solid, broadly circular bivalve 4 cm.
• Yellow to pink at the umbones.
• Very fine concentric lines on outer shell surface.

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

iNaturalist: Dosinia lupinus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Dosinia lupinus

WoRMS: Dosinia lupinus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Dosinia lupinus (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 141912.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Autobranchia; Heteroconchia; Euheterodonta; Imparidentia; Venerida; Veneroidea; Veneridae; Dosiniinae; Dosinia