Field guide to Freshwater Mussels of the Midwest
Cummings, K.S., and C.A. Mayer. 1992. Field guide to freshwater mussels of the Midwest. Illinois Natural History Survey Manual 5. 194 pp.
Foreword | Index | Table of Contents
The Illinois Natural History Survey has published a
first-of-its-kind field guide to freshwater mussels
of the Midwest. Written by Survey investigators Kevin
S. Cummings and Christine A. Mayer, this 208-page, hardcover
book will help amateurs and professionals alike in identifying
species, many of which look remarkably similar. A color
photograph of the shell of each species helps ensure
quick identification.
The front section of the book includes information on
the biology, economic importance, and conservation of
freshwater mussels, which are one of the most endangered
groups of animals in North America. Surveys conducted
over the past few decades have documented significant
declines in mussel populations because of overharvesting,
competition from exotic species such as the zebra mussel,
water pollution, and other factors.
The bulk of the book consists of species accounts for
each of about 75 native mussels. The text portion of
each account includes a description of key characteristics
of the mussel and the habitat in which it is normally
found; each account also contains, in addition to a
color photograph, a range map showing the geographic
distribution of the species.
Field Guide to Freshwater Mussels of the Midwest is available for purchase.