Lampsilis

Lampsilis is a genus of freshwater mussels, commonly known as pocketbook mussels, belonging to the family Unionidae. These bivalve mollusks are found throughout North America, inhabiting rivers, streams, and lakes. They are characterized by their elongated, flattened shells, which often have a distinctive hump or "pocket" near the posterior end. The shell color varies but is typically shades of brown, green, or yellow, often with rays.

Like other freshwater mussels, Lampsilis species are filter feeders, drawing water through their siphons and extracting food particles such as algae and bacteria. Their reproductive cycle involves a larval stage called a glochidium, which is parasitic on fish. The female mussel releases these larvae, which attach to the gills or fins of a host fish, developing into juvenile mussels before dropping off into the substrate. This dependency on fish hosts makes them vulnerable to habitat degradation that affects fish populations.

Several species of Lampsilis are recognized, including Lampsilis cardium (plain pocketbook) and Lampsilis siliquoidea (fat pocketbook). These mussels play important ecological roles, including water filtration and providing habitat for other aquatic organisms. However, many Lampsilis species are facing population declines due to pollution, habitat loss, and the introduction of invasive species. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these ecologically significant mollusks.