Order Unionoida Higher classification Villosa | Scientific name Villosa iris Rank Species | |
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Rainbow villosa iris mussel lure display
Villosa iris, common name the Rainbow mussel, is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.
Contents
Rainbow mussel villosa iris displaying lure and muscular foot
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.
Distribution
This species is widely distributed throughout the St. Lawrence, upper Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland River Basins.
References
Villosa iris Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA