masthead graphic
ISM System :Fresh Water Mussel Image Gallery
Illinois Mussels
Introduction
Anatomy
Habitat
Life Cycle
Human Uses
Diversity
Mussel Database
Photo Gallery
Identification Activity
Activities
Glossary
Resources
Credits
Harvesting the River

Genus Ellipsaria

Class Bivalvia : Subclass Paleoheterodonta : Genus Ellipsaria

Ellipsaria lineolata (Butterfly)
The interior of the butterfly mussel shell has thick, white nacre that is iridescent toward the posterior end. The pseudocardinal teeth are rather large, divergent, and serrated. The lateral teeth are serrated and straight. The beak cavity is shallow.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum, photograph by Robert Warren
ISM Accession #: 677080

<b><i>Ellipsaria lineolata</i> (Butterfly)</b>

Class Bivalvia : Subclass Paleoheterodonta : Genus Ellipsaria

First | Previous | Next | Last

Copyright © 2012 Illinois State Museum Site Map | ISM Privacy Information | Kids Privacy | Web Accessibility | Webmaster| Illinois DNR