Turgid-blossom Pearly Mussel

Turgid-blossom Pearly Mussel, 2022

mixed media on paper with metallic accents

5.125" x 7"

SOLD

From the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposal for removing 23 species from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants due to extinction:

The turgid blossom (pearly mussel), Epioblasma turgidula, was listed as endangered on June 14, 1976.
The turgid blossom was a medium-river, Cumberlandian-type mussel that was also reported from the Ozarks. These mussels could live as long as 50 years or more. The species was strongly dimorphic; males and females differed in shape and structure. This species seldom exceeded 1.6 inches (4.1 centimeters) in shell length. Shells of the male tended to be more elliptical or oval, while females tended to be more rounded. Valves were inequilateral, solid, and slightly inflated. The outer shell was shiny yellowish-green with numerous fine green rays over the entire surface. The shell surface was marked by irregular growth lines that are especially strong on females. The inner shell surface was bluish-white.

Habitat within the historical range of the turgid blossom has been significantly altered by water impoundments, siltation, and pollution. The last known collection of the species was more than 45 years ago. Mussel experts conclude that the species is likely to be extinct.

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