Pegias is a monotypic genus[3] of freshwater mussels in the family Unionidae. This genus contains the single species Pegias fabula, known commonly as the littlewing pearlymussel.
| Pegias | |
|---|---|
| |
| A live individual of Pegias fabula | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Unionida |
| Family: | Unionidae |
| Tribe: | Anodontini |
| Genus: | Pegias Simpson, 1900 |
| Species: | P. fabula
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pegias fabula (I. Lea, 1838)
| |
Distribution
editThe species is native to the Cumberland and Tennessee River systems in the United States, where it is present in streams in North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.[2] It has been a federally listed endangered species of the United States since 1988.[4][5]
Description
editThis mussel is up to 3.8 centimetres (1.5 in) long by 1.3 centimetres (0.51 in) wide. The outer surface of the shell is light greenish or dark yellowish, but it is often eroded off, leaving the shell chalky whitish in color.[3]
Threat of extinction
editThis mussel has been extirpated from most streams where it once occurred, including any in the state of Alabama. There are between six and twenty remaining populations, most of which contain fewer than 500 individuals.[2]
The main threat to the species is bad water quality, especially due to acidic mine drainage. Other threats include oil and gas exploration, road construction, channeling of the rivers, logging, agriculture, and pesticides.[2]
References
edit- ^ Cummings, K.; Cordeiro, J. (2012). "Pegias fabula". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T16479A1074877. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T16479A1074877.en. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ a b c d NatureServe (4 August 2023). "Pegias fabula". NatureServe Network Biodiversity Location Data accessed through NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ a b USFWS. Pegias fabula Recovery Plan. September 1989.
- ^ "Littlewing pearlymussel (Pegias fabula)". Environmental Conservation Online System. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ 53 FR 45861
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