- 36 species in North America
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Veneroida |
| Family: | Sphaeriidae |
Identification Tips:
• Small bivalve, typically 2-10 mm
• Shell fragile and usually light coloured
• Growth rings numerous but not prominent; shell feels smooth
Life History:
• Burrower
• Found in all freshwater habitats, but most species live in still water areas with soft bottoms
• Most live 1 to 3 years
• Some withstand drought by burrowing into mud
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | Some | |||
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.