Macoma balthica (Linnaeus, 1758)
Tellinoidea : Tellinidae |
| Tebble name: | Macoma balthica (Linnaeus) |
| Smith & Heppell name: | Macoma balthica (L., 1758) |
To size:
To 28mm.
Shell Structure:
Solid.
Equivalve:
Almost equivalve.
Equilateral:
Inequilateral, beaks central.
Tumidity:
Can be tumid.
Outline:
Ovate-trigonal. anterior dorsal margin short, broadly rounded, posterior dorsal margin almost straight to wedge-shaped, almost beak-like posterior margin. Posterior slightly bending to the right.
Contour:
Small posterior gape.
Sculpture:
Fine concentric lines and growth lines visible.
Margin:
Smooth.
Ligament:
Dark brown band extending one third of the way to posterior margin.
Hinge:
Two cardinals in each valve, in RV posterior bifid, in LV anterior bifid. No laterals.
Pallial Musculature:
Deep pallial sinus, confluent with pallial line. Shape of sinus can vary. Cruciform scars sometimes visible.
Periostracum:
Thin, beige or pale grey.
Colour:
White, some with deep dusky pink or orange internally which is visible externally on the umbonal region.
Distribution & Ecology
Depth Range
Intertidal
Additional Information & Related Species
Key Features & Similar Species
Related Species
Tellinoidea : Tellinidae
References
Listed are literature citing Macoma balthica (Linnaeus, 1758). Reference containing the species Type Description is highlighted.
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Linnaeus C 1758. Systema Naturae. Editio decima. 1. Regnum Animale Holmiae, Laurentii Salvii. 824pp. |
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Väinölä R, & Varvio SL 1989. Biosystematics of Macoma balthica in northwestern Europe In: Reproduction, Genetics and Distributions of Marine Organisms. (eds Ryland JS, Tyler PA). Olsen and Olsen, Fredensborg, Denmark.. 309-316. |
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Väinölä, R 2003. Repeated trans-Arctic invasions in littoral bivalves: molecular zoogeography of the Macoma balthica complex. Marine Biology. 143: 935-946. |
Resources
- Conchological Society
of Great Britain & Ireland
Provides resources for understanding, identifying, recording, and conserving molluscs - CLEMAM
Check List of European Marine Mollusca - MarLIN
The Marine Life Information Network for Britain and Ireland (MarLIN) provides information for marine environmental management, protection and education. It is a centre of excellence in spatially based and time-series marine biological information and supports good stewardship in the marine environment. - NBN Gateway
National Biodiversity Network's Gateway. Use it to explore UK biodiversity data, as contributed by participating data providers. - BivAToL
- MarBEF
- Malacological Society
- Unitas Malacologica
- Census of Marine Life
- MarBEF
MarBEF, a network of excellence funded by the European Union and consisting of 94 European marine institutes, is a platform to integrate and disseminate knowledge and expertise on marine biodiversity, with links to researchers, industry, stakeholders and the general public.
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