Endangered Resources Program Species Information
Slippershell Mussel (Alasmidonta viridis)
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Overview
Species Overview
Slipper shell (Alasmidonta viridis), a mussel listed as Threatened in Wisconsin, is found in small to medium-sized streams with flowing hard water, sand or gravel bottoms. It is presently found only in the eastern and southern parts of Wisconsin. The known hosts are banded and mottled sculpins and johnny darter.
Status and NHI Documented Occurrences in Wisconsin
The table below provides information about the protected status (State and Federal Status) and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Slippershell Mussel (Alasmidonta viridis). See the Working List Key for more information about the abbreviations used. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. For invertebrates, dots depict locations from the "Invertebrate Atlas," a database with occurrences of rare and common aquatic and select terrestrial invertebrate species found in Wisconsin and adjacent areas. While the invertebrate atlas is a quality assured database, not all records have been verified. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.
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Detailed Information
Identification: The rhomboid-shaped shells are light yellow, green or brown, sometimes with green rays. They have an armed hinge plate. Anterior and posterior ends are rounded. The beak sculpture consists of coarse loops with an uneven surface. The beak is swollen, but low. Pseudocardinal teeth are triangular, lateral teeth poorly developed. Beak cavity is moderately deep. One of the smallest mussels in the state at 46 mm (1.8 inches) long or less.
Habitat: Usually found buried in sand or fine gravel in shallow water or small streams. Also occurs along lakeshores on a sand bottom.
State Distribution: Occurs in the Embarrass, Little Suamico, Meeme, Mukwonago, Mullet, Pensaukee, Pigeon, and Wolf Rivers plus Kelly Brook. This species may yet be found to occur in rivers for which there are currently only historical records. See the species map.
Phenology: Johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum) and mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi) are host fish. They are probably infested from February through April.
Management Guidance: Because it inhabits small streams and headwaters, this mussel is particularly vulnerable to siltation and pollution from runoff. Habitat protection and water quality improvements would benefit this species. Increased development along waterways in southeastern and northeastern Wisconsin is of great concern to the continued existence of this species.
Information compiled from publication PUB-ER-085-99 (now out-of-print).
Photos
No additional photos are available for Slippershell Mussel at this time.
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