Villosa iris

Villosa iris
Villosa iris
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Unionoida
Family: Unionidae
Genus: Villosa
Species: V. iris
Binomial name
Villosa iris

Villosa iris, common name the Rainbow mussel, is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.

Reproduction

All Unionidae are known to use the gills, fins, or skin of a host fish for nutrients during the larval glochidia stage. Female Villosa iris attract host fish by imitating a crayfish. Elongate papillae on the mantle margin resemble antennae, legs, and eyes. They also mimic crayfish behavior, moving the papillae independently like legs, and use "tail tucking" motions. [1]

Distribution

This species is widely distributed throughout the St. Lawrence, upper Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland River Basins. [2]

References

  1. ↑ http://unionid.missouristate.edu/gallery/Villosa_iris/villosa_iris.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.ncwildlife.org/Wildlife_Species_Con/WSC_Mussel_31.htm


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