Biodiversity & Conservation

Venerupis senegalensis and Mya truncata in lower shore or infralittoral muddy gravel

SS.IMX.FaMx.VsenMtru

<i>%Venerupis senegalensis%</i> and <i>%Mya truncata%</i> in lower shore or infralittoral muddy gravel
Distribution map

SS.IMX.FaMx.VsenMtru recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • EC_Habitats
  • UK_BAP

Species indicative of sensitivity

To assess the sensitivity of the biotope, the sensitivity of component species is reviewed. Those species that are considered to be particularly indicative of the sensitivity of the biotope, and for which research has been undertaken in detail are shown below (see selection criteria). The biology of other component species of the biotope is also taken into account wherever information is known to the researcher.

Species found especially in this biotope

  • Venerupis senegalensis
Community Importance Species name Common Name
Important characterizing Venerupis senegalensis Pullet carpet shell
Important other Mya truncata Blunt gaper
Important other Littorina littorea Common periwinkle
Important other Arenicola marina Blow lug

Explanation

Venerupis senegalensis is the species which defines this biotope. It is dominant, highly faithful and frequent. Loss of the species would also result in loss of the biotope. However, loss of the species would be unlikely to have significant knock on effects for the rest of the community as there are other bivalve species in the biotope which fill similar niches. Venerupis senegalensis is therefore assessed as important characterizing and not key.

Other species in the biotope which should be considered when assessing biotope sensitivity are Littorina littorea, Arenicola marina and Mya truncata. They are therefore categorized as 'important other'. In the absence of a complete Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Review for Mya truncata the review of Mya arenaria has been used for reference.

Additional information

This review can be cited as follows:

Rayment, W.J. 2001. Venerupis senegalensis and Mya truncata in lower shore or infralittoral muddy gravel. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 20/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=354&code=1997>