Mapleleaf
Quadrula quadrula (Rafinesque, 1820) |
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Mapleleaf |
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| Quadrula quadrula, INHS 4945. Wabash River, Fountain County, Indiana. Length: 2.8 inches (7.1 cm).
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| Other common names Stranger.
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| Key characters Fairly thick shell with well-developed teeth. Squared in
outline, lateral surface with two rows of pustules separated by a sulcus.
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| Similar species Winged mapleleaf, pimpleback, purple pimpleback,
monkeyface, wartyback.
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| Description Shell quadrate to rounded, thick, and somewhat inflated.
Anterior end rounded, posterior end squared or truncated. Dorsal margin
straight, ventral margin curved in the anterior half, straight or arched
posteriorly. Umbos small and only slightly elevated above the hinge line. Beak
sculpture of two rows of raised bumps or nodules that continue downward on the
surface of the shell, separated by a furrow or sulcus. Rows of ridges or
pustules on either side of sulcus and on posterior slope, rest of surface
usually smooth. Periostracum variable, from yellowish green to light brown with
faint rays in small shells, becoming greenish brown, chestnut, or dark brown in
larger individuals. Length to 4 inches (10.2 cm). Pseudocardinal teeth well developed, serrated; two in the left valve (occasionally with a small tooth on either side), one in the right. Lateral teeth striated, fairly long, and straight; two in the left valve, one in the right. Beak cavity deep. Nacre pearly white, iridescent posteriorly.
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| Habitat Medium to large rivers and reservoirs with a mud, sand, or
gravel bottom.
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| Status Widespread and common. Commercial species.
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