(interior)
(exterior)
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Note: Red text
is defined in the Glossary
Description
Rafinesque described this species in 1820. As with most species
of the genus Lampsilis, the wavyrayed lampmussel exhibits
sexual dimorphism in shell shape. Females
are relatively circular, while males are more elliptical. The periostracum
is a shiny golden yellow with wavy green rays
usually distributed over the entire shell
surface. The nacre is white
to bluish white and may be iridescent
in fresh shells. The pseudocardinal teeth
are triangular; two in the left valve,
one in the right. Lateral teeth are
slightly curved.
Distribution (see
map)
This species is distributed from the Great Lakes, through the
Ohio and Mississippi river drainages, and into the Tennessee River
Basin (Parmalee and Bogan 1998). In addition to the species' current
North Carolina distribution, its historical distribution in North
Carolina included the French Broad and Pigeon river basins. Distribution
by County: Cherokee Co. (Hiwassee River); Macon Co. (Little Tennessee
River); Swain Co. (Little Tennessee River); Mitchell Co. (Nolichucky
River Basin); Yancey Co. (Nolichucky River Basin). NOTE: All headwater
areas that flow into these occupied habitats should receive special
management.
Habitat Preferences
This species is typically found in rivers and streams with
coarse sand and gravel beds.
Life History
Fish hosts for this species include
the small and largemouth bass (Zale and Neves 1982, Watson 1999).
The sexual dimorphism in shell shape suggests that this species,
like many other members of the genus Lampsilis, is bradytictic.
Females in the Little Tennessee River display exceptional variability
in the types of mimics used to attract the fish host.
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