Shell solid, longer than wide. Inaequivalve, right valve slightly more convex than left one. Arrangement of ribs vary among species. Anterior auricles larger than posterior ones. Microsculpture in Chlamys s.s. absent on the ribs (the presence of squamae excepted), but fine grooves and or lamellae in between ribs. Byssal notch generally broad, as well as ctenolium. Resilium triangular and strong. Remarks. - This is without any doubt the genus that comprise the most recent species. Several subgenera can be distinguished on shell morphology only. A thorough revision on subgeneric level is still needed in order to solve the questions which described subgenera are synonyms of Chlamys s.s. and which are valid. In Europe only Chlamys s.s. is represented by 4 species.