|
Please
Note: Red text
is defined in the Glossary
Description
The Wabash pigtoe is a relatively thick-shelled species, ranging
in shape from squarish to triangular. The periostracum
is golden brown with a satiny texture in younger individuals but
darkens with age. The nacre is usually
white with posterior iridescence. The
hinge teeth are heavy with a broad
interdentum. There are two pseudocardinal
teeth and two lateral teeth
in the left valve. The pseudocardinals
are triangular and serrated. The single pseudocardinal tooth in
the right valve is also triangular
and serrated; there is only one lateral tooth in the right valve.
(Parmalee and Bogan 1998).
Distribution
(see map)
The Wabash pigtoe ranges throughout the Mississippi River Basin.
It is also found in the Tombigbee River, Alabama. This species is
no longer found in North Carolina.
Historical Distribution
by County: Watauga Co. (Watauga River)
Habitat Preferences
Substrate stability may be an important habitat characteristic
for this species. Parmalee and Bogan (1998) report finding this
species in stable coarse sand and gravel, while Manning (1989) found
this species in "firm clay and silt."
Life History
This is a tachytictic species,
breeding from May to August (Parmalee and Bogan 1998). Known fish
hosts include white crappie, black crappie, and bluegill
(Fuller 1974).
|
