Epioblasma penita

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Epioblasma penita
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Unionida
Family: Unionidae
Genus: Epioblasma
Species:
E. penita
Binomial name
Epioblasma penita
(Conrad, 1834)
Synonyms

Dysnomia penita Conrad, 1834

Epioblasma penita, the southern combshell or penitent mussel, is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.

This species is endemic to the United States. They have been spotted in the rivers of Alabama and Mississippi. [2] It is threatened by habitat loss.

Description

Adult southern combshells grow to be approximately 2.2 inches (5.6 cm) long, 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) high, and 1.4 inches (3.6 cm) wide. The shell of the mussel in a variety of colors including yellow, green, orange-brown, and black. It has a squarish shape with irregular growth lines and has a radially sculpted posterior. Its posterior ridge is flattened and broad. The inside of the shell is white and somewhat iridescent. Because the species is sexually dimorphic, female southern combshells have an expanded posterior shell. [3]

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References

  1. Bogan, A.E.; et al. (Mollusc Specialist Group) (2000). "Epioblasma penita". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2000: e.T7878A12860641. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2000.RLTS.T7878A12860641.en . Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  2. "Species Profile for Southern combshell (Epioblasma penita)". October 4, 2024.
  3. "Epioblasma - Freshwater Mussels" (PDF). Natural Resources Management Gateway. October 4, 2024.