Genus Amblema
Class Bivalvia
: Subclass Paleoheterodonta
: Genus Amblema
Amblema plicata (Threeridge)
The Threeridge mussel is named for the folds on the posterior side of the shell. The shell is thick and elongate with low umbos. The anterior side has a smooth surface. Young shells are yellowish green, light brown, or green, while mature shells are dark green, brown, or black. It grows to seven inches in length.
This species lives in the mud, sand, or gravel of small to large rivers. It occurs throughout Illinois.
Conservation status: widespread and common
Taxonomy: Order Unionoida; Superfamily Unionoidea; Family Unionidae; Subfamily Ambleminae
Collection of the Illinois State Museum, photograph by Robert Warren
ISM Accession #: 673298
Class Bivalvia
: Subclass Paleoheterodonta
: Genus Amblema
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