Ellipsaria lineolata (Rafinesque, 1820)
Butterfly
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Ellipsaria lineolata, INHS 3046. Rock River, Rock Island County, Illinois.
Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).
Other common names None.
Key characters Triangular, flattened shell, sharply angled posterior ridge, yellowish brown, with broken brown rays.
Similar species Deertoe.
Description Shell somewhat triangular, thick, solid, and compressed. Anterior end broadly rounded, posterior end pointed. Umbos compressed, directed forward, and not elevated above the hinge line. Posterior ridge sharply defined. Lateral surfaces broadly flattened, less so in older females. Beak
sculpture, if visible, of a few fine, double-looped ridges. Shell smooth,
yellow or yellowish green, with scattered brown rays that are usually broken
into V-shaped or irregular rectangular blotches. Old shells with faint brown
rays or rayless. Length to 4 inches (10.2 cm).
Pseudocardinal teeth relatively large, slightly elevated, serrated, and divergent; two in the left valve, one in the right. Usually two lateral teeth in each valve, serrated, short, and straight. Interdentum wide. Beak cavity shallow to moderately deep. Nacre white, iridescent posteriorly.
Habitat Large rivers in sand or gravel.
Status Widespread but only locally abundant. Disappearing from many areas where it formerly occurred. Endangered in Ohio and Wisconsin. Threatened in Iowa. Species of Special Concern in Illinois.
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Created 6/9/95 Last Modified 12/15/97 cam