Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BUTTERFLY
BUTTERFLY. The condition of this species of mussel is considered troubled. Historically widespread but uncommon, the current condition is less widespread and uncommon. Adults are typically from 2.5 to 3 inches. The host fish for the young is the freshwater drum.
Historically the butterfly mussel was harvested for use in the pearl BUTTON INDUSTRY, and today it is harvested in some portions of its North American range for use in the cultured pearl industry. If trends cannot be reversed, the butterfly mussel may become endangered.
The remaining butterfly mussel populations in the MISSISSIPPI RIVER are jeopardized by the continuing decline in habitat conditions associated with the river's USE as a navigation canal and sediment pollution. Dams, channelization, and dredging increase siltation and block the movement of fish hosts. The butterfly is also impacted by non-native ZEBRA MUSSELS in the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Zebra mussels can attach in large numbers to the shells of native mussels, eventually causing death by suffocation.
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Source:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Online: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=IMBIV13010