(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
OTHER COMMON NAMES - MUSSEL, PEARLY and CUMBERLAND BEAN;CUMBERLAND BEAN
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Aquatic Molluscs
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MOLLUSCA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - BIVALVIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - UNIONOIDA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - UNIONIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - VILLOSA,
SPECIES AND SSP - TRABALIS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - VILLOSA TRABALIS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Cumberland Bean Pearly Mussel
Villosa trabalis (Conrad, 1834)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Clam
PHYLUM: Mollusca CLASS: Bivalvia
ORDER: Unionoida FAMILY: Unionidae
V. trabalis is a small Cumberlandian species with inflated,
elongate, oval valves (01). Beaks are located near the anterior end
where the shell is thickest, and sculptured with double-looped ridges
(02). The posterior ridge is almost full and rounded, with the
surface marked by irregular growth lines. Periostracum is
semi-glossy, olive-green to blackish in color, with many narrow, wavy
green rays that are numerous on the posterior margin (01). The beak
cavity is shallow with impressed anterior muscle scars. Nacre color
is white and usually irridescent posteriorly (03). A slight sexual
dimorphism exists in this species. The male shell is narrowed
centrally and drawn out posteriorly whereas the female shell is higher
and more evenly ovate, with an evenly curved basal edge (02,04). This
species is readily separated from other species, although eroded
valves of V. trabalis and V. perpurpurea are difficult to separate
(04,05).
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
Detailed descriptions and photographs of V. trabalis are included
in previous publications (01,02,06).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Alabama; Federal Endangered
Georgia; Federal Endangered
Georgia; State Recognized
Kentucky; Federal Endangered
Kentucky; State Recognized
Tennessee; Federal Endangered
Tennessee; State Recognized
Virginia; Federal Endangered
Virginia; State Recognized
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Cumberland bean pearly mussel (Villosa trabalis) 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, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and
Virginia.
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
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
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:
STATE: Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia
DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: (GA) Department of Natural Resources;
(KY) Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Res.;
(TN) Wildlife Resource Agency;
(VA) Commission of Game and Inland
Fisheries.
STATE STATUTES: (GA) Endangered Wildlife Act of 1973, GA Game
and Fish Codes, GA Law 1977, Page 396 GA Code
Ann., Sec. 45-101, et. seq.;
(KY) Fish and Wildlife Codes, 150.183.
Importing, transporting, or possessing
endangered species or wildlife.
(TN) Annotated Code, Title 51, Chapter 9,
Section 51-903;
(Virginia) Code of VA, Title 29.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
CITES I
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
No commercial values are known, however, the species' sedentary
nature and filter feeding habits may make it useful as a water quality
indicator. It has been shown that mussels accumulate such pollutants
as heavy metals and pesticides.
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 UB1
Riverine, upper perennial SB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
V. trabalis is typically found in sand and gravel substrates in
medium-sized (3-5 order) streams (03). Habitat is usually riffle and
run areas with moderate gradient and clean, stable substrate (01).
This species does not occur in the impounded sections of rivers. It
is apparently quite sedentary and is buried in shallow water with
suitable habitat. V. trabalis appears to be intolerant of silt, and
requires ample water flow and stable substrate for survival (01).
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
stage are unknown. Specific environmental requirements for the adults
are also unknown.
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
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, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
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, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
There are no known interspecific differences in feeding among
freshwater mussels (07). The glochidia are probably obligate
parasites on the gills or fins of fish (01). 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
(16,17). No study of the food habits of V. trabalis has been
conducted; required/preferred foods are therefore unknown.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Non-territorial. The species is sedentary during its adult life
and generally occurs in streams with others of its kind.
PERIODICITY:
Observations on other Villosa spp. indicate that species of this
genus exhibit a seasonal periodicity (18). During the spawning period
in spring, specimens are near or on the surface of the stream bottom.
After the spawning period, Villosa spp. occur deeper in the substrate
with only siphons exposed.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Non-migratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
The species occurs primarily in shallow water with stable, mixed
substrate types and moderate current (01,18). No species-specific
information on cover/shelter is available in the literature.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
V. trabalis is a riffle and run species that occurs in
free-flowing streams with moderate flow (01). Habitat is typically
shallow water with stable, mixed substrate. 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 V. trabalis is presumed to be similar
to other Villosa spp. (19). During spawning, males discharge sperm
into the water column, and the sperm are taken in by the females
during siphoning (01). 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.
V. trabalis is probably a long-term breeder (02), spawning in
late summer, retaining glochidia through fall and winter, and
releasing glochidia the following spring/summer. Glochidia are rather
large, subovate, and hookless (20). The fish hosts for V. trabalis
are unknown, but fish host studies for V. vanuxemi and V. nebulosa
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
have identified the banded sculpin, rock bass, and smallmouth bass as
hosts (21).
PARENTAL CARE:
Except for retention of the glochidia within the gills of the
female prior to release, no parental care occurs.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
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 (01).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Developing/maintaining stream structures
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Transplanting Wild Eggs/Wild Seeds
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
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The mussel fauna in most streams of the upper Tennessee River
drainage has been impacted by dam construction, channelization,
siltation, and water pollution, which directly affect all mussel
species (01,07). The change from lotic to lentic conditions because
of dams has also altered the species composition of the fish
community, thus jeopardizing the reproductive success of some mussel
species by eliminating required fish hosts. A total of 51
impoundments on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers has eliminated
large sections of riverine habitat within the historic range of the
Cumberland bean. Although siltation has been suggested as the most
significant adverse effect of impoundments on mussels (07), other
detrimental factors include lowered water temperatures, pH changes,
oxygen depletion, and dewatering of mussel beds below dams (07).
Mussel deaths can occur in substrate on which 0.6-2.5 cm of silt has
accumulated, resulting in interference with feeding and suffocation
(08). The siphoning period and metabolic rate of mussels can also be
affected by such contaminants as heavy metals and agricultural
chemicals (09).
Coal waste from mining activities has contributed additional
particulate matter to natural sediment loads, particularly in the
Cumberland drainage (10). Negative impacts on mussels from coal
mining, coal washing, and fly ash waste have been identified as major
problems to recovery of this species (01,11).
Water pollution is another major factor that has contributed to
endangered status of V. trabalis. Numerous streams in the upper
Tennessee drainage were polluted already by the early twentieth
century, and the mussel fauna was in a decline at that time (12). The
decline of this species in the upper Cumberland system has been
attributed to pollution from acid mine wastes (03,13). The historic
population in the Clinch River was likely affected by chemical spills
in 1967 and 1970 at the APCO plant in Carbo, VA (14,15).
All of the factors mentioned above (impoundments, siltation, coal
mining, and water pollution) are still considered potential threats
to remaining populations of V. trabalis. Other factors that may also
be affecting this species include collecting by conchologists, the
invasion of the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) into the Tennessee
and Cumberland drainages, and the smaller gene pool which may be
approaching minimum population size needed for sufficient genetic
variation to respond to environmental changes.
Substantial mussel die-offs of unknown origin that have
occurred in the Tennessee and Cumberland River drainages since
1982 also pose a threat to the species' survival.
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Cumberland Bean Pearly Mussel
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Atlanta, GA. 58 pp.
Recovery actions for the Cumberland bean pearly mussel include:
(1) Utilize existing legislation to preserve populations and
presently used habitat with emphasis on Buck Creek, Rockcastle, and
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
Little South Fork Cumberland Rivers. The protection of these
populations and their habitats including transplanted individuals are
essential for the continued survival of the species and will be
required to meet the recovery objectives. Habitat restoration or
improvement may be necessary to improve conditions for survival of the
species (i.e., restoration of stream banks and channels and assuring
optimum clean water flow).
(2) Determine the status and range of the species by conducting
population and habitat surveys.
(3) Determine specific threats to the species from impacts such as
coal mining and coal related pollution, road construction, dredging,
herbicide and pesticide spraying, and chlorinated effluents.
(4) Solicit help in the protection of the species and its habitat
from local, state and federal developmental agencies.
(5) Utilize Scenic River Status, mussel sanctuaries, land
acquisitions and/or other means to protect the species where feasible.
(6) Determine the feasibility of introducing the species back into
its historic range and determine the best methods for doing so (e.g.,
introduction of adults, juveniles, infected fish, and/or artificially
cultured individuals.) Introduce where feasible.
Except for enforcement of regulations, there are no specific
recovery programs involving this species.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Technical/Agency Draft
Recovery Plan for the Cumberland Bean Pearly Mussel Villosa
Trabalis (Conrad, 1834). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4,
Atlanta, GA. 53 pp.
02 Bogan, A.E. and P.W. Parmalee. 1983. Tennessee's rare wildlife
volume II: the mollusks. Tenn. Wildl. Resour. Agency, Tenn. Dep.
Conserv., and Tenn. Heritage Prog., Univ. Tenn., Knoxville, TN
123 pp.
03 Clarke, A.H. 1981. Determination of the precise geographical
areas occupied by four endangered species of freshwater mollusks.
Final Rep., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 226 pp.
04 Simpson, C.T. 1914. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naiades or
Pearly Freshwater Mussels. Bryant Walker, Detroit, MI. 3 Volumes.
1540 pp.
05 Ortmann, A.E. 1925. The naiad fauna of the Tennessee River system
below Walden Gorge. Am. Midl. Nat. 9:321-372.
06 Parker, W. and L. Dixon. 1980. Endangered and threatened wildlife
of Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. N.C.
Agric. Ext. Serv. 122 pp.
07 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, NY.
08 Ellis, M.M. 1931. Some factors affecting the replacement of the
commercial fresh-water mussels. U.S. Bur. Fish. Circ. No.7. 10pp.
09 Salanki, J. 1979. Behavioural studies in mussels under changing
environmental conditions. Symp. Biol. Hung. 19:169-176.
10 Branson, B.A. 1974. Stripping the Appalachians. Nat. Hist.
83:53-60.
11 Starnes, L.E. and W.C. Starnes. 1980. Discovery of a new
population of Pegias fabula (Lea) (Unionidae). Nautilus 94:5-6.
12 Ortmann, A.E. 1918. The nayades (freshwater mussels) of the upper
Tennessee drainage with notes on sysonymy and distribution. Proc.
Am. Phil. Soc., Phila. 57:521-626.
13 Neel, J.K. and W.R. Allen. 1964. The mussel fauna of the upper
Cumberland Basin before its impoundment. Malacologia 1:417-459.
14 Raleigh, R.F., D.H. Bennett, and L.O. Mohn. 1978. Changes in fish
stocks after major fish kills in the Clinch River near St. Paul,
Virginia. Am. Midl. Nat. 99:1-9.
15 Cairns, J., Jr., J.S. Crossman, K.L. Dickson, and E.E. Herricks.
1971. The recovery of damaged streams. Assoc. Southeast. Biol.
Bull. 18:79-106.
16 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.
17 Churchill, E.P., Jr. and S.I. Lewis. 1924. Food and feeding in
freshwater mussels. Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 39:439-471.
18 Neves, R.J. 1984. Personal observations. Va. Coop. Fish. Res.
Unit, VPI & SU, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
19 Zale, A.V., and R.J. Neves. 1982. Reproductive biology of four
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species MUSSEL, PEARLY, CUMBERLAND BEAN
Species Id ESIS404011
Date 13 MAR 96
freshwater mussel species (Mollusca:Unionidae) in Virginia.
Freshw. Invert. Biol. 1:17-28.
20 Ortmann, A.E. 1912. Notes upon the families and genera of the
nayades. Ann. Carnegie Mus. 8:222-365.
21 Zale, A.V., and R.J. Neves. 1982. Fish hosts of four species of
lampsiline mussels (Mollusca:Unionidae) in Big Moccasin Creek,
Virginia. Can. J. Zool 60:2535-2542.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Starnes, L.B. and A.E. Bogan. 1982. Unionid mollusca (Bivalvia)
from Little South Fork Cumberland River, with ecological and
nomenclatural notes. Brimleyana 8:101-119.
02 Clarke, A.H. 1981. Determination of the precise geographical
areas occupied by four endangered species of freshwater mollusks.
Final Rep., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 226 pp.
03 Bogan, A.E. and P.W. Parmalee. 1983. Tennessee's rare wildlife
volume II: the mollusks. Tenn. Wildl. Resour. Agency, Tenn. Dep.
Conserv., and Tenn. Heritage Prog., Univ. Tenn., Knoxville, TN.
123 pp.
04 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Technical/Agency Draft
Recovery Plan for the Cumberland Bean Pearly Mussel Villosa
Trabalis (Conrad, 1834). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4,
Atlanta, GA. 53 pp.
05 Harker, D.F., M.L. Warren, K.E. Camburn, S. Call, G.T. Fallo, and
P. Wigley. 1980. Aquatic biota and water quality survey of the
upper Cumberland River basin. Kent. Nat. Preserv. Comm. Tech. Rep.
Vol. 1,2. 679 pp.
06 Blankenship, S. and D.R. Crockett. 1972. Changes in the
freshwater mussel fauna of the Rockcastle River at Livingston,
Kentucky. Trans. Kent. Acad. Sci. 33:37-39.
07 DiStefano, R. 1984. Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia:Unionidae) of
Horselick Creek, Rockcastle River, Kentucky. Nautilus 98:110-113.
08 Hinkley, A.A. 1906. Some shells of Mississippi and Alabama.
Nautilus 20:34-36,40-44,52-55.
09 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.
10 Ortmann, A.E. 1925. The naiad fauna of the Tennessee River system
below Walden Gorge. Am. Midl. Nat. 9:321-372.
11 Wilson, C.B. and H.W. Clark. 1914. The mussels of the Cumberland
River and its tributaries. Bur. Fish. Doc. 781:1-63.
12 Ortmann, A.E. 1912. Notes upon the families and genera of the
naiades. Ann. Carnegie Mus. 8:222-365.
13 Neel, J.K. and W.R. Allen. 1964. The mussel fauna of the upper
Cumberland Basin before its impoundment. Malacologia 1:417-459.
14 Bakaletz, S. February 10, 1986. [Letter to R.K. Robinson, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Permit Office].
References - 2