Description: A solid bivalve that can reach up to 6 cm and is broadly circular in outline. The colour ranges from a dirty white to fawn or light brown. There are irregular pink or brown markings in the form of blotches, rays, streaks, bands or even zigzags on the outer surface of the shell. Outer surface of shell may be covered in part by the light yellow periostracum. Umbo is small, and the shell outline is convex to one side, concave to the other. Growth stages are obvious and there are many 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: Shelly or muddy gravel, from low water to over 70 m depth.

Distribution: Widely distributed around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with the smooth Artemis Dosinia lupinus which has a smoother shell and is slightly smaller. May also be confused with Mysia undata which has a much thinner, fragile shell.

Key Identification Features:

• Solid, almost circular bivalve up to 6 cm.
• Irregular pink or brown markings on outer surface.
• Growth stages clear.
• Fine concentric lines on shell surface.

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

iNaturalist: Dosinia exoleta at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Dosinia exoleta

WoRMS: Dosinia exoleta at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Dosinia exoleta (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 141911.

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