• 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 SensitiveSomewhat SensitiveFacultativeSomewhat TolerantVery Tolerant
  MostSome 

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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.