Quadrula nodulata (Rafinesque, 1820)
Wartyback
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Quadrula nodulata, INHS 10227. Mississippi River, Scott County, Iowa.
Length: 1.9 inches (4.8 cm).
Other common names Two-horned pocketbook, winged pimpleback, pimpleback, nodule shell, winged orb shell.
Key characters Rounded shell with two rows of paired knobs or pustules on the posterior half of the shell; no sulcus.
Similar species Pimpleback, mapleleaf, monkeyface, threehorn wartyback.
Description Shell relatively thick, rounded, and inflated. Anterior end
rounded, posterior end squared or truncated. Dorsal margin straight, area
behind the umbos flattened into a small wing, ventral margin broadly rounded.
Umbos rounded and elevated above the hinge line. Beak sculpture, if visible, of
small ridges. Shell smooth except for two rows of knobs, usually occurring in
pairs, that extend from the umbos to the ventral margin of the shell. No
sulcus. Periostracum rayless and uniformly yellowish green or light brown,
becoming darker with age. Length to 3 inches (7.6 cm).
Pseudocardinal teeth serrated and well developed; two in the left valve, one in the right (occasionally with a small tooth on either side). Lateral teeth short, heavy, serrated and straight to somewhat curved; two in the left valve, one in the right. Beak cavity deep. Nacre pearly white, iridescent posteriorly.
Habitat Large rivers or in the lower sections of medium-sized rivers in sand or fine gravel.
Status Uncommon, but locally abundant. Endangered in Ohio. Threatened in Wisconsin. Rare in Missouri.
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Created 6/9/95 Last Modified 12/15/97 cam