| Epioblasma penita | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
 Critically Endangered (IUCN 2.3) | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Unionida |
| Family: | Unionidae |
| Genus: | Epioblasma |
| Species: | E. penita |
| Binomial name | |
| Epioblasma penita (Conrad, 1834) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Dysnomia penita Conrad, 1834 | |
Epioblasma penita, the southern combshell or penitent mussel, is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.
This species is endemic to the United States. They have been spotted in the rivers of Alabama and Mississippi. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Description
Adult southern combshells grow to be approximately 2.2 inches (5.6 cm) long, 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) high, and 1.4 inches (3.6 cm) wide. The shell of the mussel in a variety of colors including yellow, green, orange-brown, and black. It has a squarish shape with irregular growth lines and has a radially sculpted posterior. Its posterior ridge is flattened and broad. The inside of the shell is white and somewhat iridescent. Because the species is sexually dimorphic, female southern combshells have an expanded posterior shell.
References
- Bogan, A.E.; et al. (Mollusc Specialist Group) (2000). "Epioblasma penita". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2000: e.T7878A12860641. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2000.RLTS.T7878A12860641.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- "Species Profile for Southern combshell (Epioblasma penita)". October 4, 2024.
- "Epioblasma - Freshwater Mussels" (PDF). Natural Resources Management Gateway. October 4, 2024.
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Epioblasma penita | |
| Unio penitus | |
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