(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
OTHER COMMON NAMES - MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA; LAMP and ALABAMA
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Aquatic Molluscs
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MOLLUSCA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - BIVALVIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - UNIONOIDA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - UNIONIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - LAMPSILIS,
SPECIES AND SSP - VIRESCENS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - LAMPSILIS VIRESCENS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Alabama Lamp Pearly Mussel
Lampsilis virescens (Lea, 1858)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Clam
PHYLUM: Mollusca CLASS: Bivalvia
ORDER: Unionoida FAMILY: Unionidae
L. virescens is a medium size species with subinflated valves
and a low posterior ridge (01). The beaks are sculptured with many
delicate ridges, and valves are relatively thin (02). Beak cavities
are rather deep; and anterior muscle scars are impressed whereas
posterior muscle scars are shallow (01). In outline the valves are
rounded anteriorly, and the ventral margin is straight. Periostracum
is smooth and shiny, straw to yellow-brown in color occasionally with
faint rays (01). Nacre color is bluish-white and iridescent (01).
A sexual dimorphism exists in this species. The posterior end of
males is bluntly pointed; in females it is rounded (01).
Similarities between Lampsilis virescens (Lea, 1858) and other
Lampsilis spp. have been presented previously (03,04). Detailed
descriptions and photographs of L. virescens are contained in previous
publications (01,02).
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Alabama; Federal Endangered
Alabama; Unofficially Listed
Tennessee; Federal Endangered
Tennessee; State Recognized
E: Federal Endangered
Non-consumptive recreational
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Alabama lamp pearly mussel (Lampsilis virescens) has been
designated an Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C.
1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever found
including the States of Alabama and Tennessee.
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild
animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
DOD (COE) -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control. Also responsible for
management/recovery on Department of Defense lands.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
STATE: Alabama
UNOFFICIAL LIST: Endangered, Bulletin No.2, Alabama Museum of
Natural History, Endangered and Threatened
Plant and Animals of Alabama.
STATE: Tennessee
DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
STATE STATUTES: Tennessee Annotated Codes, Title 51, Chapter 9,
Section 51-903.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The Alabama lamp is listed in Appendix I of CITES.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The species may have value as a collector's item due to rarity.
74/10/17:39 FR 37078/37079 - Notice of Review
75/09/26:40 FR 44329/44333 - Proposed Rule
76/06/14:41 FR 24062/24067 - Final Rule
76/06/16:41 FR 24367/24378 - Proposal - CITES I
77/02/22:42 FR 10484/10485 - Final - CITES I
81/02/27:46 FR 14652/14658 - Five year review
87/07/07:52 FR 25523/25528 - Notice of review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Streams and Canals
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, upper perennial UB2
Riverine, upper perennial UB1
Riverine, upper perennial SB2
Riverine, upper perennial SB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
L. virescens apparently resides in sand and gravel substrates in
small to medium-sized streams (01). Historically, it may have
exhibited a preference for tributary streams (09). This species does
not occur in the impounded sections of rivers. It appears to be quite
sedentary and is most abundant in shoal areas.
Habitat of the glochidia is initially within the gills of the
female, then in the water column, and finally attached to a suitable
fish host. Any alteration of these life stage-specific habitats
during its life cycle would likely affect the long term success of a
population. Habitat requirements or associations for the juvenile
state are unknown. Specific environmental requirements for the adults
are also unknown.
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Bacteria
General Phytoplankton
General Diatoms
General Zooplankton
General Fish
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
There are no known interspecific differences in feeding among
freshwater mussels (05). The glochidia are obligate parasites on
the gills or fins of fish (02). Adult mussels are filter-feeders
and consume particulate matter suspended in the water column.
Identifiable stomach contents almost invariably include mud, desmids,
diatoms, other unicellular algae, protozoa, and zooplankters (10,11).
No study of the food habits of L. virescens has been conducted;
required/preferred foods are therefore unknown.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Non-territorial. This species is sedentary during its adult
life and generally occurs in streams with others of its kind.
PERIODICITY:
No known or reported periodicity for this species.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Non-migratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
The species occurs primarily in sand and gravel substrates of
shoal areas in streams (01). No species-specific information on
cover/shelter is available in the literature.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
L. virescens is a stream species that occurs in shoal areas with
sand and gravel substrates (01). Since this species appears to be
sedentary and movement is inconsequential, this is the type of
environment where all life processes are carried out, including
reproduction.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
The reproductive cycle of L. virescens is presumed similar to
other Lampsilis spp. (02). During spawning, males discharge sperm
into the water column, and the sperm are taken in by the females
during siphoning. Eggs are fertilized in the female's suprabranchial
cavity or gills, which serve as marsupia for embryos developing to the
parasitic stage (glochidia). Glochidia are released by the female and
must attach to a suitable fish host for metamorphosis to the
free-living juvenile stage.
L. virescens is probably a long-term breeder (01,02), spawning in
late summer, retaining glochidia through fall and winter, and
releasing glochidia the following spring/summer. The fish host(s) for
this species are unknown.
PARENTAL CARE:
Except for retention of the glochidia within the gills of the
female prior to release, no parental care occurs.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
No information exists on the population biology of this species.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The required fish hosts for the parasitic glochidia of this
species are unknown (02).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Creating Artificial Habitat/Nesting Structure
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Invertebrates
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Underground Mines
Existing Underground Mines
Adverse Surface Mines
Existing Surface Mines
Adverse Siltation
Existing Siltation
Adverse Water Temperature Alteration
Existing Water Temperature Alteration
Adverse Dissolved Oxygen Reduction
Existing Dissolved Oxygen Reduction
Adverse Water Level Fluctuation
Existing Water Level Fluctuation
Adverse Reservoirs
Existing Reservoirs
Adverse Migration barriers
Existing Migration barriers
Adverse Dredging
Existing Dredging
Adverse Applying herbicides
Existing Applying herbicides
Adverse Applying pesticides
Existing Applying pesticides
Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse
Existing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The Alabama lamp pearly mussel, as with mussel fauna in most of
the Tennessee River drainage has been impacted by dam construction,
dredging, siltation, and water pollution, which directly affected all
mussel species (02,05). The change from lotic to lentic conditions
because of dams has also altered the species composition of the fish
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
community, thus jeopardizing the reproductive success of some mussel
species by eliminating required fish hosts. In the Tennessee River
proper, impoundments probably caused the decline of many mussel
species (02). Although siltation has been suggested as the most
significant adverse effect of impoundments on mussels (05), other
detrimental factors include lowered water temperatures, pH changes,
oxygen depletion, and dewatering of mussel beds below dams (05).
Mussel deaths can occur in substrates on which 0.6-2.5 cm of silt has
accumulated, resulting in interference with feeding and suffocation
(06). The siphoning period and metabolic rate of mussels can also be
affected by such contaminants as heavy metals and agricultural
chemicals (07).
Dredging and channelization in the Tennessee River affected
mussels and their habitat directly by removing substrate and
increasing siltation (02). A dredged area may require years to
recover, and dredging may reduce growth rates of mussels down stream
(08). Gravel dredging is also detrimental to mussels (02), and stream
channelization reduces available and suitable habitat for mussels.
Water pollution is another factor that has probably contributed
to the decline of L. virescens. Many streams in the Tennessee River
drainage were polluted already by the early twentieth century, and the
mussel fauna was in a decline at that time (03). Acid mine drainage,
pesticides, toxic spills, and releases of wood treatment chemicals
have been cited as possibly impacting this species in previous years
(02).
All of the factors mentioned above are still considered potential
threats to remaining populations of the Alabama lamp. Other factors
that may potentially be affecting this species include incidental
collecting by conchologists, the recent invasion of the Asiatic clam
(Corbicula fluminea) in the Paint Rock River, and the smaller gene
pool which may be approaching the minimum population size needed for
sufficient genetic variation to respond to environmental changes.
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. A Recovery Plan for the
Alabama Lamp Pearly Mussel, Lampsilis virescens (Lea, 1858). U.S.
Fish and Wildllife Service, Atlanta, GA. 41 pp.
Controlling taking by collectors; Identification of suitable
habitat and transplanting adults or glochidia infested host fish;
Artificial propagation; Creating habitat sites.
No recovery activities are currently ongoing.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Bogan, A.E., and P.W. Parmalee. 1983. Tennessee's rare wildlife
Volume II: The mollusks. Tenn. Wildl. Resour. Agency, Tenn.
Dept. Conserv., and Tenn. Heritage Prog., Univ. Tenn., Knoxville,
Tn. 123 pp.
02 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. A Recovery Plan for the
Alabama Lamp Pearly Mussel, Lampsilis virescens (Lea, 1858). U.S.
Fish Wildl. Serv., Jackson, Ms. 40 pp.
03 Ortmann, A.E. 1918. The nayades (freshwater mussels) of the
upper Tennessee drainage with notes on synonymy and distribution.
Proc. Am. Phil. Soc., Phila. 57:521-626.
04 Ortmann, A.E. 1925. The naiad fauna of the Tennessee River
system below Walden Gorge. Am. Midl. Nat. 9:321-372.
05 Fuller, S.L.H. 1974. Clams and mussels (Mollusca:Bivalvia),
Pages 215-273 IN: C.W. Hart and S.L.H. Fuller (eds.), Pollution
ecology of freshwater invertebrates. Academic Press, N.Y.
06 Ellis, M.M. 1931. Some factors affecting the replacement of the
commercial fresh-water mussels. U.S. Bur. Fish. Circ. No.7. 10 pp.
07 Salanki, J. 1979. Behavioral studies in mussels under changing
environmental conditions. Symp. Biol. Hung. 19:169-176.
08 Yokley, P., Jr., and C.H. Gooch. 1976. The effect of gravel
dredging on reservoir primary production, invertebrata production
and mussel production, July 1, 1974 - June 30, 1976. Tenn. Wildl.
Resour. Agency Tech. Rep. No. 76-56. 32 pp.
09 Morrison, J.P.E. 1942. Preliminary report on molluscan fauna
found in the shell mounds of the Pickwick Landing basin in the
Tennessee River valley. Pages 337-392 in W. S. Webb and D. L.
DeJarnette, An archaeological survey of Pickwick Basin in the
adjacent portions of States of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Bur. Am. Ethnol. Bull. 129.
10 Coker. R.E., A.F. Shira, H.W. Clark, and A.D. Howard. 1921.
Natural history and propagation of fresh-water mussels. Bull. U.S.
Bur. Fish. 37:77-181.
11 Churchill, E.P., Jr., and S.I. Lewis. 1924. Food and feeding in
freshwater mussels. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 39:439-471.
12 Heard, W.H., and R.H. Guckert. 1970. A re-evaluation of the
recent Unionacea (Pelecypoda) of North America. Malacologia 10:
333-355.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. A Recovery Plan for the
Alabama Lamp Pearly Mussel, Lampsilis virenscens (Lea, 1858). U.S.
Fish Wildl. Serv., Jackson, Ms. 40 pp.
02 Isom, B.G., and P. Yokley, Jr. 1973. The mussels of the Flint
and Paint Rock River systems of the southwest slope of the
Cumberland Plateau in north Alabama, 1965-1967. Am. Midl. Nat.
89:442-446.
03 Lewis, J. 1876. Fauna of Alabama. Freshwater and land snails.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, LAMP, ALABAMA
Species Id ESIS404003
Date 13 MAR 96
Ala. Geol. Surv. Prog. Rep., 61-100.
04 Ortmann, A.E. 1918. The nayades (freshwater mussels) of the
upper Tennessee drainage with notes on synonymy and distribution.
Proc. Am. Phil. Soc., Phila. 57:521-626.
05 Ortmann, A.E. 1925. The naiad fauna of the Tennessee River
system below Walden Gorge. Am. Midl. Nat. 9:321-372.
06 Isom, B.G., and P. Yokley, Jr. 1968. Mussels of Bear Creek
watershed, Alabama and Mississippi, with a discussion of the
area geology. Am. Midl. Nat. 79:189-196.
07 Bogan, A.E., and P.W. Parmalea. 1983. Tennessee's rare
wildlife Volume II: The mollusks. Tenn. Wildl. Resour. Agency,
Tenn. Dept. Conserv., and Tenn. Heritage Prog., Univ. Tenn.,
Knoxville, Tn. 123 pp.
08 Morrison, J.P.E. 1942. Preliminary report on molluscan fauna
found in the shell mounds of the Pickwick Landing basin in the
Tennessee River valley. Pages 337-392 in W. S. Webb and D. L.
DeJarnette, An archaeological survey of Pickwick Basin in the
the adjacent portions of States of Alabama, Mississippi, and
Tennessee. Bur. Am. Ethnol. Bull. 129.
09 Stansbery, D.H. 1976. Naiad mollusks. Pages 42-52. IN: H.
Boschung (ed.), Endangered and threatened plants and animals
of Alabama. Bull. Ala. Mus. Nat. Hist. No. 2.
References - 2