Epilepton clarkiae (Clark, 1852)

Galeommatoidea : Montacutidae

Tebble name:	Epilepton clarkiae (Clark)
Smith & Heppell name:	Epilepton clarkiae (Clark, 1852)

To size: To 2.5mm. Shell Structure: Thin, opaque. Equivalve: Equivalve. Equilateral: Inequilateral, beaks behind the midline. Tumidity: Somewhat compressed, becoming discoid. Outline: Subovate dorsally subtrigonal, anteriorly expanded; dorsal margins sloping equally straight; remainder rounded with posterior a little narrower than anterior.

Sculpture: Of co-marginal lines and growth stops, usually with radial linear inclusions within the shell structure. Margin: Inner margin smooth. Ligament: Internal in a deep pit below and slightly behind beaks. Hinge: RV with single large anterior and posterior laterals and a prominent anterior “cardinal” tooth; LV with laterals as extensions of the margins and an anterior socket. Pallial Musculature: Indistinct. Colour: Dirty white to dirty cream.

Distribution & Ecology

Commensal with sipunculans, most commonly found with Phascolosoma granulata but also with Phascolion strombi. Intertidal and sublittoral on south and west coasts but occasional records to the northwest.

Depth Range
Intertidal
Continental Shelf (to 200m)

Additional Information & Related Species

References

Listed are literature citing Epilepton clarkiae (Clark, 1852). Reference containing the species Type Description is highlighted.

Clark W 1852. On a new British species of Lepton. Annals and magazine of natural History. (2)9: 191-192.

Delongueville C. & Scaillet R. 1999. Relevé de l’association de Eplilepton clarkiae (W. Clark, 1852) et de Mioerycina coarctata (S.V. Wood, 1851) avec Phascolion strombi (Montagu, 1804) en Méditerranée. Apex. 14 (2): 29-32.

Jespersen A, Lutzen J & Oliver P G 2007. Morphology, biology and systematic position of Epilepton clarkiae (Clark 1852) (Galeommatoidea: Montacutidae) a bivalve commensal with sipunculans. Journal of Conchology. 4: 391.

Kallonas M, Zenetos A & Gofas S 1999. Notes on the Ecology and Distribution of Microbivalvia in Greek Waters. La Conchiglia. 291: 11-20.

Van Aartsen JJ 1996. Galeommatacea and Cyamiacea Part II. La Conchiglia. 281: 27-53, + 61.

Van Aartsen JJ 1996. Galeommatacea and Cyamiacea. La Conchiglia. 279: 31-36, + 61.

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Record last modified: 17/05/2016