Synonyms: Villosa iris

Distribution: Distributed across the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio River basins, Upper Mississippi River system, and the St. Lawrence River drainage from Lake Huron to Lake Ontario. Occurs in the Little River and its tributaries in southeastern Oklahoma.

Life History and Ecology: Occurs in riffles and along the edges of emerging vegetation such as water willow beds, in gravel and sand in moderate to strong current. Long-term brooder that reportedly infects and metamorphoses on largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and rock bass. Attracts host with a large lure that may resemble a crayfish. Periodic life history strategy.

Special Status: none

Shell Description: click here for shell description