Habitat: usually this species lives embedded vertically into the sand either in low or in very low depth. Distribution: very common all over the Mediterranean where it is appreciated for its gastronomic value.
Notes: the valves external sculpture, present on two thirds of the posterior part, is the most important characteristic. It is made by a reticulum of radial and concentric striae interrupted along one oblique line starting from umbo up to the ventral margin. The remaining surface is smooth. Other details that make it distinguishable from D. trunculus are as follows: posterior part more stretched (obliquely more truncated), internal denticulation present on the posterior margin too, ventral margin not much convex, smaller sizes. Even this species is very changeable in colour pattern. Usually it is brown with two radial streaks either yellowish or white in the central zone, but there can be found specimens green in colour too. Internally it is often violet, with the margins and one posterior ray white. Periostracum bright, thin, very adherent, yellowish in colour. Umbo small, opisthogyrate, lunule long and narrow, hinge very similar to D. trunculus.
In this species the morphological differences between juvenile specimens and adult ones are less emphasized than in D. trunculus. The adult specimens measures are around 25-30 mm in length. It is fished for commercial purposes.