U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Winged Mapleleaf Mussel Oklahoma Ecological Service Field Office

Winged mapleleaf fragosa Winged mapleleaf mussel. © D.E. Spooner

Description The winged mapleleaf occurred historically across thirteen, largely Midwestern U.S. states, but recently is known only from remnant populations in , , , Oklahoma, and . In Oklahoma, the survives in the Little River in southeastern Oklahoma. Historical records exist from the Boggy and Kiamichi rivers, also in southeastern Oklahoma, and from the Neosho River, very near the Kansas/ Oklahoma border. Its thick shell reaches a maximum length of about 4 inches, is pentagonal in outline, and is moderately inflated. The outer shell layer is greenish-brown to dark brown, and small shells may exhibit faint rays. Two rows of bumps separated by a furrow run from the top of the shell to the lower edge. Additional distinctive Conservation chemicals, and install fencing to details of the shell distinguish The winged mapleleaf was federally prevent livestock from entering the winged mapleleaf from other listed as an endangered species streams. Take other steps to protect freshwater mussel species. on July 22, 1991. This species has water quality, restore and protect experienced severe losses in range natural watershed conditions, conserve Distribution and abundance due to human instream flows, and prevent the spread The winged mapleleaf lives in degradation of its habitat. Specific of aquatic invasive species. Learn medium-sized to large rivers with factors involved in this degradation more about the winged mapleleaf, high water quality. The species include construction and operation the threats to its existence, and its inhabits stream bottoms of sand, of large impoundments, and water identified conservation needs by gravel, or rubble. quality degradation from point consulting the species’ recovery plan. sources and nonpoint sources of Life History pollution. Many of these factors References Adults feed by filtering algae, other are expected to continue and may U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. protoctists, microscopic , increase, posing future threats to the Winged Mapleleaf Mussel (Quadrula bacteria, and detritus from their winged mapleleaf. fragosa) Recovery Plan. Fort surroundings. As with most freshwater Snelling, Minnesota. mussels, the life cycle includes sexual Additional potential threats include reproduction and a required parasitic impacts from invasive aquatic species U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2009. stage. During spawning, males release such as the introduced Spotlight Species Action Plan: sperm into the water column, some (Dreissena polymorpha), accidental winged Mapleleaf Quadrula fragosa. of which are taken into females of commercial harvest, and extreme Bloomington, Minnesota. the species, which carry eggs in their conditions associated with human- gills. The resulting larvae (known as caused climate change. For Further Information glochidia) are released from the females U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the water column and must attach What You Can Do To Help Oklahoma to a suitable fish host to continue If you have property within a Ecological Services Field Office development. Once metamorphosis watershed inhabited by the winged 9014 East 21st Street is complete, juvenile mussels drop off mapleleaf, maintain an ample buffer Tulsa, OK 74129 the fish host and continue life in the of natural vegetation alongside any 918/581-7458 stream bottom. Known fish hosts for stream channels. Treat eroding roads, slopes, and other sources contributing this species include the August 2011 (Ictalurus punctatus) and sediments to streams. Reduce or (Ictalurus furcatus). eliminate use of lawn-care/agricultural