Spike
Elliptio dilatata (Rafinesque, 1820) |
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Spike |
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| Elliptio dilatata, INHS 8505. Big Kilbuck Creek, Madison County, Indiana. Length: 4.0 inches (10.2 cm).
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| Other common names Lady finger.
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| Key characters Thick, elongate shell, short lateral teeth, greenish
brown or black, usually with a purple nacre.
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| Similar species Black sandshell, spectaclecase, elephant-ear,
kidneyshell.
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| Description Shell solid, elongate, elliptical, and compressed to
moderately inflated. Anterior end rounded, posterior end rounded to slightly
pointed. Dorsal margin straight to slightly curved, ventral margin straight to
curved in young shells, becoming arched in older shells. Umbos low, usually not
elevated above the hinge line. Beak sculpture, if visible, of three or four
heavy loops. Surface smooth, greenish brown with faint green rays visible on
small shells, becoming dark brown to black in adults. Length to 5 inches (12.7
cm). Pseudocardinal teeth well developed; two in the left valve, one in the right. Lateral teeth short, roughened, and straight. Beak cavity very shallow. Nacre variable, most often purple, occasionally pink or white.
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| Habitat Small to large streams and occasionally lakes in mud or gravel. |  |
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Status Widespread but sporadic in distribution. Common in Missouri and
Ohio, uncommon to rare in other states. Species of Special Concern in
Illinois.
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