Endangered Resources Program Species Information
Monkeyface (Quadrula metanevra)

Overview

Species Overview

Monkeyface (Quadrula metanevra), a mussel listed as Threatened, is found in the western part of the state in swift, clean water in larger rivers in gravel or mixed sand and gravel. Three common host fishes have been reported: bluegill, green sunfish, and sauger.

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 Monkeyface (Quadrula metanevra). 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.

Summary Information State Status: THR Federal Status in Wisconsin: none State Rank: S2 Global Rank: G4 Tracked by NHI: Y Species of Greatest Conservation Need: Y

Detailed Information

Identification: Shell is heavy and brown with numerous postules on the anterior and behind the beak. The beak is high, inflated and directed forward with small irregular ridges on the posterior part extending into 3-5 large knobs on the posterior ridge. The outer surface often has dark green streaks and zigzag, triangular, or chevron-shaped green markings. Lateral teeth are straight and short and the pseudocardinal teeth are massive. The beak cavity is deep and the nacre is white. Length to 4 inches (10.2 cm).

Habitat: Inhabits medium to large rivers in gravel or mixed sand and gravel.

State Distribution: Occurs in the Chippewa, Mississippi, lower Wisconsin, Rock, Branch, and St.Croix Rivers.

Phenology: Sauger (Stizostedion canadense) bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and green sunfish (L. cyanellis) are host fish. Glochidia are shed in June or July.

Management Guidance: Habitat destruction and river pollution have resulted in mussel declines. Protection of habitat and improvements in water quality along with restriction of dredging, impoundments, sand and gravel mining, and navigational improvements would benefit this species. The development of fish runways to facilitate the movement of host species through or around locks and dams would also help to protect this species.

Information compiled from publication PUB-ER-085-99 (now out-of-print).

Photos

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Photo ©  Illinois Natural History Survey.

Related Links

Links to Additional Monkeyface Information

• Illinois Natural History Survey [Exit DNR]
• MN Department of Natural Resources [Exit DNR]

Other Links Related to Mussels and Clams

• Illinois Natural History Survey [Exit DNR]
• The Field Museum [Exit DNR]
• Conchologists of America [Exit DNR]
• EPA Biological Indicators of Watershed Health [Exit DNR]
• Milwaukee Public Museum [Exit DNR]