Mya truncata Linnaeus, 1758Myoidea : Myidae
Inequivalve, RV slightly more convex than LV.
Subequilateral beaks just behind the midline.
Oblong, elongate; anterior broadly rounded, ventral rather straight; posterior ventral and posterior dorsal margins short, posterior truncate gaping widely.
Sculpture: Of co-marginal lines and low ridges with occasional faint radial lines. Margin: Inner margin smooth. Ligament: Primarily internal on a large spoon shaped projecting chondrophore in LV and corresponding concealed resilifer beneath the umbo in RV. Small external part, concealed and attached to posterior part of chondrophore. Hinge: Hinge without teeth. Pallial Musculature: Pallial sinus deep extending to beneath the beaks, lower arm irregularly confluent with pallial line. Periostracum: Persistent, straw coloured to dark brown. Colour: Shell white.
Distribution & Ecology
A deep burrower in sand and sandy mud. From low in the intertidal to shallow shelf depths of about 70m. Widespread.
Continental Shelf (to 200m)
Juveniles & Similar Species
The juveniles lack the truncate posterior and closely resemble M. arenaria.
Key Features & Similar Species
Listed are literature citing Mya truncata Linnaeus, 1758. Reference containing the species Type Description is highlighted.
Linnaeus C 1758. Systema Naturae. Editio decima. 1. Regnum Animale Holmiae, Laurentii Salvii. 824pp.
- Conchological Society
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