Genus Megalonaias

Class Bivalvia : Subclass Paleoheterodonta : Genus Megalonaias

Megalonaias nervosa (Washboard)
The washboard mussel has a large (to eleven inches in length), thick, rectangular shell. Its common name reflects the bumps and folds on the posterior ridge of the upper shell. There is a small wing behind the umbos. The surface is light to dark brown, depending on age.
This species lives in the mud, sand, or gravel of large rivers with strong currents and medium-sized streams. It occurs in Illinois in the lower three-quarters of the state and all along the Mississippi River.
Conservation status: It is a commercial species that may be common in its preferred habitat.
Taxonomy: Order Unionoida; Superfamily Unionoidea; Family Unionidae; Subfamily Ambleminae

Collection of the Illinois State Museum, photograph by Robert Warren
ISM Accession #: 676639

Class Bivalvia : Subclass Paleoheterodonta : Genus Megalonaias

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