Arcidens confragosus is a species of freshwater mussels in the family Unionidae, the river mussels. It is commonly known as the rock pocketbook,[1][2] but also has many other common names: bastard, black pocketbook, grandmaw, queen, and rockshell.[1]

Rock pocketbook
A live individual of Arcidens confragosus

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Bivalvia
Order: Unionida
Family: Unionidae
Genus: Arcidens
Species:
A. confragosus
Binomial name
Arcidens confragosus
(Say, 1829)
Synonyms
  • Alasmidonta confragosus (basionym)
  • Margaritana confragosus
  • Complanaria confragosus
  • Baphia confragosus
  • Unio confragosus

Distribution

edit

This species is widespread in central parts of the United States: it occurs in the Mississippi River drainage and in coastal rivers draining to the Gulf of Mexico, from the Colorado River in Texas east to the Mobile River System in Alabama.[1]

Description

edit

The shell is "pyriform" or pear-shaped, heavily sculptured, but fairly thin, up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long. The shell is green to dark brown. The nacre is white, iridescent.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d Cummings, K. (2011). "Arcidens confragosus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T189137A8690933. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T189137A8690933.en. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Arcidens confragosus". NatureServe Explorer. 7.1. Retrieved 29 November 2022.