Fawnsfoot - Truncilla donaciformis
Federal Status: Not listed (Watters 1995)s
Ohio Status: Not listed (Watters 1995)
Key characteristics: Small, elongate shell, greenish yellow, with zigzag markings (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
Similar species: Deertoe, rayed bean (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
Description: Shell small, elongate, somewhat oblong, relatively thin, and compressed to moderately inflated. Anterior end rounded, posterior end pointed, ventral margin smoothly rounded. Umbos full, centrally located, and slightly elevated above the hinge line. Beak sculpture of five or six double-looped bars. Periostracum variable from yellow to greenish brown, with numerous dark green rays made up of many smaller broken, V-shaped or zigzag lines. Length to 2 inches (5.1 cm) (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
Pseudocardinal teeth small, roughened, and elevated; two in the left valve, one in the right. Lateral teeth thin, relatively long, and straight to slightly curved. Beak cavity moderately shallow. Nacre white, iridescent posteriorly (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
Hosts: Freshwater drum, sauger (Watters 1995).
Habitat: Large rivers or the lower reaches of medium-sized streams in sand or gravel (Cummings, Mayer 1992).
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