Limoidea (500 - 5000m) | ID Keys | Marine Bivalve Shells of the British Isles

#1

Shells distinctly asymmetric, anterior ear lacking, anterior slope long and straight

Go to #2

Shells more or less symmetrical

Go to #3

#2

Back to #1

Back to start

Radially striated with up to 100 riblets

Acesta excavata

With c.30 prominent ribs bearing small scales especially anteriorly

Lima marioni

#3

Back to #1

Back to start

Hinge plate either side of ligament with denticles

Hinge plate smooth

#4

Median riblets distinctly larger, expressed internally as a groove.

Go to #5

Median riblets not disproportionately developed

Go to #7

#5

Back to #4

Back to start

Sculpture of the median riblet only, small shells <2mm

Limatula bisecta

Sculpture of numerous radial riblets

Go to #6

#6

Back to #5

Back to start

Hinge line oblique, about 40 riblets, ears not well developed.

Limatula celtica

Hinge line horizontal, about 50 riblets, ears prominent

Limatula subovata

#7

Back to #4

Back to start

Outline narrowly oblong, with about 38 fine radial riblets

Limatula thalassae

Outline oval with less than 33 riblets

Go to #8

#8

Back to #7

Back to start

Anterior slope much straighter than posterior, 22-26 riblets

Limatula jeffreysi

Curvatures of anterior and posterior not noticeably discrepant, 27-33 riblets

Limatula margaretae