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, 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

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[1] ttp://unionid.missouristate.edu/gallery/Villosa_iris/villosa_iris.htm

[2] ttp://www.ncwildlife.org/Wildlife_Species_Con/WSC_Mussel_31.htm