Electronic field guide to AQUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATES of SMALL STREAMS in Eastern Massachusetts

Shell consists of two roughly equal "valves" hinged together on one side; inside of shell usually dull and greyish; very small

Musculium_thm.jpg
SPHAERIIDAE (Fingernail Clams)

Shell consists of two roughly equal "valves" hinged together on one side; inside of shell shiny, often colorful; often large (Not keyed here)

UNIONIDAE (Freshwater Mussels)UNIONIDAE (Freshwater Mussels)
Shell a flat coil, without a raised spire; no leathery cover (operculum) on opening

Planorbid_thm.jpg
PLANORBIDAE

Shell opening with leathery cover (operculum); opening to right side when facing you with spire pointing up; body globose, can get quite large

Viviparid_thm.jpg
VIVIPARIDAE
Shell with raised spire; no operculum; opening on right side when facing you with spire pointing up

Limnaeid_thm.jpg
LIMNAEIDAE

Shell with raised spire; no operculum; opening on left side when facing you with spire pointing up

Physid_vent_thm.jpg
PHYSIDAE
Go back Restart Key