(interior)
(exterior)
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Note: Red text
is defined in the Glossary
Description
The kidneyshell is a relatively large species with a heavy, elongated
shell. The anterior end is well
rounded, while the posterior end is
more blunt. The periostracum ranges
in color from yellow to golden brown, with green rays
common to most individuals. The hinge teeth
are robust with two serrated pseudocardinal
teeth in the left valve accompanied
by two straight lateral teeth. In the
right valve, there is a one pseudocardinal
tooth and one serrated lateral tooth. The interdentum is broad.
(Parmalee and Bogan 1998).
Distribution (see
map)
The kidneyshell may be found in the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland
river basins, north to Michigan, west to Oklahoma and Arkansas, and
south to Tennessee and Louisiana (Parmalee and Bogan 1998 and references
therein). The conservation status of the kidneyshell is currently
stable (Williams et al. 1993). It is no longer found in North Carolina.
Habitat Preferences
Although tolerant of many habitat conditions, the kidneyshell
is typically found in rivers with coarse sand and gravel substrates
(Parmalee and Bogan 1998).
Life History
This species is bradytictic (Ortmann
1919). Host fish have not been identified.
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