Genus Cumberlandia
Class Bivalvia
: Subclass Paleoheterodonta
: Genus Cumberlandia
Cumberlandia monodonta (Spectaclecase)
The spectaclecase mussel shell is oblong and elongate. The flattish, thin, dark brown shell has rounded ends. The surface is smooth to rough, sometimes with ridges. It grows to eight inches in length.
This species lives in large, fast-flowing rivers, and among boulders, cobble, or gravel in reduced current areas. In Illinois it inhabits the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and their tributaries.
Conservation status: Endangered in Illinois.
Taxonomy: Order Unionoida, Superfamily Unionoidea, Family Margaritiferidae.
Collection of the Illinois State Museum, photograph by Karen Little
ISM Accession #: 679686
Class Bivalvia
: Subclass Paleoheterodonta
: Genus Cumberlandia
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