Distribution: This species occurs in the Interior Highlands of Arkansas, Missouri, eastern Kansas and Oklahoma, and northern Louisiana. In Oklahoma, known from the Illinois, Poteau, Blue, Kiamichi, Glover, Mountain Fork, and Little Rivers.

Life History and Ecology: Ptychobranchus occidentalis generally occurs in upland streams in gravel to rocky substrate in slow to moderate currents. Often found in riffles which may be a product of being a long-term brooder that attracts darter hosts with a superconglutinate that resembles a benthic insect. Equilibrium life history strategy.

Special Status: none

Shell Description: click here for shell description