Lake Orb Mussel - Sphaerium lacustre

Alternative names
Musculium lacustre
Description

To 8mm. A thin-shelled, smooth grey bivalve. Slightly quadrate with a very prominent umbo. The dorsal margin (behind the umbo) is usually relatively straight.

Similar Species

Other Sphaerium species.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Most aquatic habitats. Tolerant of pollution.

When to see it

All year.

UK Status

Widespread and common.

VC55 Status

Uncommon.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Lake Orb Mussel
Species group:
mollusc
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Veneroida
Family:
Sphaeriidae
Records on NatureSpot:
5
First record:
15/08/1981 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
26/09/2001 (Derek Lott)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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