Glycymeris nummaria

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Glycymeris nummaria
Temporal range: Pliocene - Recent
Glycymeris nummaria 01.jpg
Right valve of Glycymeris nummaria
Glycymeris nummaria 02.jpg
Left valve of Glycymeris nummaria
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Arcida
Family: Glycymerididae
Genus: Glycymeris
Species:
G. nummaria
Binomial name
Glycymeris nummaria

Glycymeris nummaria is a species of saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusc in the family Glycymerididae, the bittersweet clams.

Contents

Synonyms

Description

Glycymeris nummaria var. insubrica
Right and left valve of the same specimen:

The shell of an adult Glycymeris nummaria can be as large as 60 millimetres (2.4 in). It is quite thick, almost circular in shape, with a sculpture of radiating striae and fine concentric lines. The surface is dull and may be dark or pale brown, but also whitish-yellowish. Inside of the shell is glossy, white or pale yellow, often with irregular brown markings.

Distribution and habitat

This species is widespread from Norway to the Mediterranean Sea. It lives in sandy-muddy gravels offshore to depths of about 100 metres (330 ft).

References