The Eastern Lampmussel is one of the most common and widespread freshwater mussel in the region.
Key Characteristics
- Size: Up to 5 inches.
- Shape: Ovate or subovate. Mature females usually more rounded toward the posterior ventral margin. Valves slightly inflated, strong, and thick.
- Periostracum: Color yellowish-green (juveniles) to yellowish-brown, greenish-brown, or brownish-black (adults). Shell rays numerous and prominent.
- Lateral Teeth: Present. Two on the left valve and one on the right valve.
- Pseudocardinal Teeth: Present. Two on the left valve and two or three on the right valve.
- Nacre: Color white, bluish-white, or pink. Usually lighter in color and much thicker toward the anterior end.
- Similar Species: Eastern Elliptio.
Conservation Status
- State and Global Rank: S5 G5
Habitat
Found in sand and gravel substrates of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds in cool or warmwater habitats. Rarely found in small, cold water streams where Eastern Pearlshell is more likely.
Host Species
Uses a large number of host fish including yellow and white perch, large- and smallmouth bass, sunfish, and pickerel.
More Information
- Encyclopedia of Life
- NatureServe
- Musselp
- New Hampshire species page and map
Range
In many places it is the second most abundant species to the Eastern Elliptio. It is found in Otter Creek, Lake Champlain and Memphremagog, Connecticut, Missisquoi, Lamoille, and Poultney Rivers and other locations.
Distribution map has locations where this species has been documented and digitized into the atlas database. Systematic surveys have not been conducted for many species and those surveys that have been conducted have been largely focused on endangered species. Therefore, in some cases, the actual distribution of freshwater mussels may be more extensive than what is presented here. Shaded areas are watershed sub-basins and river main stems are shown.
