Endangered Resources Program Species Information
Snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra)
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Overview
Species Overview
Snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra), a mussel listed as Endangered in Wisconsin and a Federal Species of Concern, is found in very clean water of large to medium-sized streams in the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan drainages. It is most abundant in large riffle areas. Known populations are small and local. The known fish hosts are the log-perch and banded sculpin.
Status and NHI Documented Occurrences in Wisconsin
The table below provides information about the protected status (State and Federal Status) and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra). See the Working List Key for more information about the abbreviations used. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. For invertebrates, dots depict locations from the "Invertebrate Atlas," a database with occurrences of rare and common aquatic and select terrestrial invertebrate species found in Wisconsin and adjacent areas. While the invertebrate atlas is a quality assured database, not all records have been verified. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.
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Detailed Information
Identification: Thick, triangular shell with a sharply defined, broadly expanded posterior slope. Epidermis yellow or yellowish-green with green rays, blotches or chevron markings. Males are triangular while females are somewhat elongate. The anterior end is rounded, and the posterior end is truncated in males, but expanded in females. The beak sculpture has three or four faint, double-looped bars. The beak cavity is fairly deep and the nacre is pearly white. 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) long.
Habitat: Inhabits medium to large, clear rivers in gravel riffles.
State Distribution: Occurs in the Embarrass, St.Croix, Wolf, and Little Wolf Rivers.
Phenology: Host fish for this species in Wisconsin is the logperch (Percina caprodes). Breeding occurs from May through July.
Management Guidance: Habitat destruction and river pollution have resulted in mussel declines. Protection of habitat and improvements in water quality along with restriction of dredging, impoundments, sand and gravel mining, and navigational improvements would benefit this species. The development of fish runways to facilitate the movement of host species through or around dams would also help to protect the snuffbox.
Information compiled from publication PUB-ER-085-99 (now out-of-print).
Photos
No additional photos are available for Snuffbox at this time.
Related Links
Links to Additional Snuffbox Information
- Michigan Natural Features Inventory [Exit DNR]
- MN Department of Natural Resources [Exit DNR]
- Illinois Natural History Survey [Exit DNR]
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