OutdoorNebraska

78 Wabash pigtoe, Fusconaia flava Description: The largest Wabash pigtoe that I have found was 94mm long. The shell of the Wabash pigtoe is oblong and the posterior end tapers to a blunt point which ends below the center of the shell. The shell is thin on the posterior end but is fairly thick on the anterior end. The outside of the shell is smooth and there is a gently rounded posterior ridge between the beak and the posterior pointed end. The shell is quite compressed and the hinge teeth are well-developed. The nacre is white. The beak sculpture is usually worn away but is reported to be a few fine ridges. Similar species: They are somewhat similar to the Creeper, but the Wabash pigtoe has well-developed hinge teeth where the Creeper does not. Conservation status: G5, N5, S2. In spite of the S2 rating, the Wabash pigtoe is probably extirpated from Nebraska. Hosts: Black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, creek chub. Habitats used: Creeks to large rivers in mud, sand, or gravel (Cummings and Mayer 1992). Creeks to large rivers in soft or coarse substrates and flowing water (Seitman 2003). Gravel and sand with a moderate current (Oesch 1995). Medium to large rivers in areas with stable substrate of coarse sand, gravel, firm clay and silt (Parmalee and Bogan 1998). Nearly all substrates in fast water or lakes (Watters et.al. 2009). Native range: The Mississippi River basin from New York to Alabama and Texas to Canada. Also St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes tributaries. Nebraska collection notes: This species is mostly found as relict shell in the Nemaha basin or Logan Creek drainage in the Elkhorn River basin. It has also been found in the Big Blue, Salt Creek, Aowa Creek and Bow Creek drainages but always as relict shell. Comments: This species is one of those that can exhibit dramatic change in form depending on the waterbody where it is living. Those that have been found in Nebraska represent the creek form which is quite flat and thin shelled compared to the big river form. Based on the number of relict shell found, this species was once common in the state. The heaviest populations appear to have been in the Nemaha and Logan Creek drainages, both of which have been heavily channelized. To date, no live or fresh dead Wabash pigtoes have been found.

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