Fluted-shell
Lasmigona costata (Rafinesque, 1820) |
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Fluted-shell |
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| Lasmigona costata, INHS 1162. Sangamon River, Champaign County, Illinois. Length: 4.1 inches (10.4 cm).
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| Other common names Sand mussel, squawfoot.
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| Key characters Elongate, compressed shell with prominent ridges or folds (flutings) on the posterior slope and poorly developed lateral teeth (paired in the left valve).
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| Similar species Creek heelsplitter.
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| Description Shell elongate, moderately thick, and compressed to slightly inflated. Anterior and posterior ends sharply curved. Dorsal and ventral margins straight. Umbos low, not projecting above the hinge line. Beak
sculpture of three or four heavy, more or less double-looped ridges parallel
with the hinge line. Prominent sculpturing on the posterior slope consisting of
about 10-20 heavy, rounded ridges of folds. Additional surface sculpturing on
the lateral surface near the middle of the shell. Periostracum green or
yellowish green with numerous green rays in small individuals, becoming
chestnut or dark brown in older shells. Length to 7 inches (17.8 cm). Pseudocardinal teeth thick; two in the left valve, one (occasionally two) in the right. Lateral teeth short and poorly developed, often appearing only as ridges or thickenings of the hinge line. Beak cavity shallow. Nacre white or bluish white and often salmon-colored, particularly in the beak cavities.
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| Habitat Medium to large rivers in sand, mud, or fine gravel in areas
with slow to moderate flow.
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Status Widespread but relatively uncommon. Endangered in Iowa.
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