FLEXOPECTEN PROTEUS

Let’s start with an interesting fact about this notable scallop species. Some Flexopecten proteus valves were found in a prehistoric village from the Late Bronze Age, located in the Metauro Valley, evidence of their ancient presence in the area.

Today, they inhabit the sandy-muddy seabeds of the Adriatic Sea, although they are rarely found washed ashore.

Flexopecten proteus scallops are characterized by:

1. a maximum length of 6.5 cm;
2. a sub-equilateral shell with unequal-shaped valves;
3. a rounded, fan-like shape;
4. the presence of two auricles with the dorsal edge of the posterior auricle forming an angle < of less than 90° with the posterior margin;
5. 4 to 6 radial ribs on the valves. We usually see 5 of them, spaced apart and not intersecting with intermediate ribs.

Compared to Chlamys glabra, this species has fewer radial ribs. On average 4–6 versus 9–13 of the C. Glabra.

As for coloration, an interesting feature is that the right valve is generally paler in tone than the left.