Biodiversity Ouachita upland rivers

              Biodiversity of Ouachita Upland Rivers
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/main.htm[1/25/2012 3:04:47 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA
UPLAND RIVERS
Freshwater
ecosystems and
the organisms
that inhabit them
are imperiled
disproportionately
compared to
other groups. The
rivers of the
Ouachita Uplands
in southeastern
Oklahoma and
western
Arkansas.are
relatively pristine,
and may
represent one of
the last
strongholds of
freshwater
biodiversity in
North America.
An elktoe mussel, Alasmidonta marginata, from the Ouachita River
Over the past few years we have been documenting the biodiversity of invertebrates and
fishes in major rivers of the Ouachita Uplands. Our surveys involve canoeing rivers and
stopping in areas of appropriate habitat to survey mussels, benthic macroinvertebrates,
meiofauna, and fishes. Environmental parameters are also measured at each site. The
objectives of our project are to thoroughly document the biodiversity of these rivers and to
examine associations between freshwater mussels and other aquatic groups. Organisms
that we collect are sent to experts and museums around the country for identification and
description, and we anticipate the discovery of new species of invertebrates. The
information that we collect can be used as a baseline for future monitoring of these rivers.
This project has been funded by the Biotic Surveys & Inventories Program of the National
Science Foundation by award DEB-9870092.
Biodiversity of Ouachita Upland Rivers
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/main.htm[1/25/2012 3:04:47 PM]
Additional Information
About...
Biodiversity
What is biodiversity and why is it an important area of research?
Rivers
Descriptions of the river ecosystems studied in the Ouachita Uplands Biodiversity Project.
Species
Listing of species surveyed in the rivers of the Ouachita Uplands. Understand more about
highlighted species.
Project Personnel
Sampling Methods
Taxonomic Experts
Oklahoma Biological Survey
Aquatic Biology at the University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
Department of Zoology
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum
of Natural History
North American Benthological
Society
National Science Foundation
Unio
Gallery
Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society
Recent and Fossil Freshwater Mollusk
Research Collections
Searchable Bibliography of
Freshwater Mollusk Literature
This page is sponsored by the
Oklahoma Biological Survey.
Biodiversity of Ouachita Upland Rivers
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/main.htm[1/25/2012 3:04:47 PM]
Disclaimer
Biodiversity Description
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/biodiversitydesc.htm[1/25/2012 3:04:49 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Biodiversity
Biodiversity, or biological diversity, may be defined as the variety of living organisms inhabiting an
area. Biologists usually divide 'biodiversity' into three levels: genetic, species and community. Our
study is primarily concerned with taxonomic or species diversity, that is we want to know what species
occur at the different sites in the rivers we are surveying. However, we are collecting samples so that
others can examine the genetic diversity of mussels. Mussel tissue is being deposited with several
genetics laboratories where it will be available to other researchers for genetic and systematic studies.
Our study is documenting the number of species and their abundance at riverine sites throughout the
Ouachita Uplands. We are examining four groups of aquatic organisms: mussels, benthic
macroinvertebrates, meiofauna, and fishes. Benthic macroinvertebrates are organisms such as snails
and larval insects that live on the stream bottom. Meiofauna are very small organisms, such as some
worms and crustaceans, that live in the spaces between sand and gravel particles under the stream.
Rivers
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Rivers.htm[1/25/2012 3:04:56 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Rivers of the Ouachita Uplands
Kiamichi River Mountain Fork River Glover River
Little River Caddo River Little Missouri River
Poteau River Ouachita River Saline River
Go to Ouachita Upland Rivers Map
Kiamichi
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Kiamichi.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:08 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Kiamichi River
The Kiamichi River, a major tributary of the
Red River, flows through the Ouachita
Mountains and Gulf Coastal Plain of
southeastern Oklahoma. The river is 272
km long and has a drainage area of 4,800
km2.
The Kiamichi is known for its clean water and high aquatic
biodiversity, including more than 100 fish species and 30
species of mussels, more than half the mussels known from
the entire state of Oklahoma. The Kiamichi River contains an
important population of the federally listed Ouachita Rock-
Pocketbook mussel (Arkansia wheeleri) and seven other
vulnerable or imperiled mussel species including the recently
re-discovered Scaleshell mussel (Leptodea leptodon).
The Kiamichi River was recently selected by The Nature Conservancy as one of the most critical watersheds
in the U.S. for protecting biodiversity, based on its diverse and abundant aquatic fauna and the fact that the
Kiamichi is one of the few tributaries of the Red River that has not been significantly influenced by major land
use changes or water diversion. However, mussel populations in the Kiamichi now face significant threat from
several years of drought conditions combined with high demand for water in the region.
Mountain Fork
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/mtfork.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:10 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Mountain Fork River
The Mountain Fork River, a tributary of the Little River, has a drainage area of 2240 km2.
Glover
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Glover.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:13 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Glover River
The Glover River is the only remaining
unimpounded tributary of the Little River.
This highly pristine river is 48 km long, has a
drainage area of 876 km2, and is known for
its scenic value and fish biodiversity. The
river contains the largest known population
of the federally threatened leopard darter,
Percina pantherina.
The upper two thirds of the river are high
gradient (average slope 19 m/km) and
characterized by low bedrock and boulder
falls, chutes and riffles. Below the fall line,
the gradient decreases to 1 m/km as the
river flows through the Gulf Coastal Plain
before entering the Little River. Here stream
habitat is characterized by deep, long pools
separated by shallow riffles. Riparian areas
are mixed pine and oak forest historically
harvested for timber by private companies.
Since 1996, much of the watershed has
come under the management of the U.S.
Forest Service and timber harvest has
decreased.
Little
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/little.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:15 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Little River
The Little River, a major tributary of the
Red River, drains 5,700 km2 in
southeastern Oklahoma and
southwestern Arkansas. The river is 349
km in length. The upper reaches of the
river flow through the Ouachita
Mountains and the upper watershed is
heavily forested and used primarily for
silviculture. Lower reaches of the river
flow through the fertile bottomlands of
the Gulf Coastal Plain. The Little River
headwaters are boulder-cobble and
gravel with well-developed pools and
swift rapids until the mainstem forms
Pine Creek Reservoir. Below the
reservoir the river retains pool-riffle
structure over a mostly gravel bed, with
water willow a common structural
feature in the shallows.
The Little River is influenced by two impoundments. The mainstem Little River is impounded by Pine
Creek Reservoir, used for flood control, water supply and recreation. Approximately 30 miles below Pine
Creek Reservoir, a sixteen mile section of the river flows through the Little River National Wildlife Refuge
(15,000 acres). The section of the Little River on the wildlife refuge contains very diverse and healthy
mussel populations, including a population of the federally endangered Ouachita Rock Pocketbook
Mussel, Arkansia wheeleri. 64 km below downstream of Pine Creek dam, the Mountain Fork River enters
the Little River. The lower Mountain Fork River is impounded by Broken Bow Reservoir which is used for
hydroelectric power among other uses. Water entering the Little River from the Mountain Fork River is
very cold, and mussel populations have been extirpated for many km downstream.
Little
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/little.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:15 PM]
Caddo
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Caddo.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:18 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Caddo River
The Caddo River is a major tributary of the
Ouachita River. The Caddo arises in the
Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas.
The Caddo River has a drainage area of
1235 km2.
Little Missouri
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/littlemo.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:20 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Little Missouri River
The Little Missouri River is a major
tributary of the Ouachita River. The
headwater area is known for its
scenic pine-forested ridges and
valleys. The river cascades through a
series of white-water gorges,
including Little Missouri Falls, before
leveling off as it flows across the
Arkansas Piedmont. The river has a
drainage area of 5447 km2.
Poteau
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Poteau.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:22 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Poteau River
The Poteau River arises in the
Ouachita Mountains of western
Arkansas, flows westward into
Oklahoma, then flows north to join
the Arkansas River at Fort Smith.
The Poteau has a drainage area of
4895 km2.
Ouachita
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Ouachita.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:24 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Ouachita River
The Ouachita River originates in the
Ouachita Mountains northwest of
Mena, Arkansas, and meanders
eastward through the heart of the
Ouachita National Forest to just
west of Hot Springs where it forms
three impoundments. The river then
flows southward across the Gulf
Coastal Plain into Louisiana where it
enters the Red River. The Ouachita
River is the largest river in the
Ouachita Highlands with a drainage
area of 67,337 km2 and a total
length of 872 km2. Major tributaries
originating in the Ouachita
Highlands include the Caddo, Little
Missouri and Saline rivers.
Saline
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Saline.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:27 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Saline River
The Saline River originates in the eastern
Ouachita Mountains in central Arkansas
and flows southward 328 km to
converge with the Ouachita River. The
Saline River has a drainage area of 8417
km2. The upper, mountainous reaches of
the Saline consist of a series of cobble
riffles and pools. In lower reaches where
the river flows through Gulf Coastal Plain
the channel consists of sand and mud.
Map
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Map.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:28 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
River Locations in Oklahoma and Arkansas
Ouachita Upland Rivers
Kiamichi
Mountain Fork
Glover
Little
Caddo
Little Missouri
Poteau
Ouachita
Saline
Click on the river name from the left list to link highlighted rivers to their physical descriptions and
associated species.
Species
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Species.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:00 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Taxa List
.
Benthic
Macroinvertebrates
Nets of hydropsychid caddiflies
Helicopsyhe borealis,
a common in caddisfly in Ouachita
Upland streams
Freshwater Mussels
Lists of fishes will be posted soon.
Meiofaunal invertebrates and adult insects are still being identified.
Species
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Species.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:00 PM]
Benthic Taxa
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/benthictaxa.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:30 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Benthic macroinvertebrate species found in Ouachita Upland Rivers. This is a preliminary list. Many
specimens are still being identified by our taxonomic experts. Mussels, while benthic macroinvertebrates,
are listed separately.
Phylum Platyhelminthes Phylum Annelida Phylum Arthropoda
Class Turbellaria Class Hirudinea Class Arachnida
Order Tricladida Family Glossiphoniidae Order Hydracarina (water
mites)
Family Planariidae Actinobdella
annectens
Actinobdella
inequiannulata
Actinobdella sp.
Helobdella elongata
Helobdella sp.
Helobdella triserialis
Oligobdella
biannulata
Family Hygrobatidae
Hygrobates sp.
Dugesia tigrina Family Lebertiidae
Lebertia sp.
Phylum Mollusca (non-mussel)
Family Omartacaridae
Class Gastropoda Omartacarus sp.
Family Ancylidae Class Malacostraca
(limpets)
Laevapex fuscus Order Decapoda
Family Lymnaeidae
Family Planorbidae
Family Pleuroceridae
Family Cambaridae
(crayfishes)
Class Oligochaeta currently being identified
currently being Order Isopoda
identified
Family Assellidae
Elimia sp. Lirceus sp.
Class Bivalvia Order Amphipoda
Family Corbiculidae Family Talitridae
Corbicula fluminea Hyalella azteca
Link to the Insect
page!
Class Insecta
Order Coleoptera (beetles)
Order Diptera (true flies)
Order Ephemeroptera
Order Lepidoptera
Order Megaloptera
Order Odonata
Order Plecoptera
Order Tricoptera
Mussels
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Mussels.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:31 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Freshwater Mussels
The freshwater mussel (Bivalvia: Unionidae) fauna of North American streams is the most diverse in the
world, but is highly threatened and declining at an alarming rate. Over 70% of native North American
mussels are either already extinct, federally listed as endangered or threatened, or in need of conservation
status. Freshwater mussels provide important services such as habitat and nutrients for other aquatic
organisms, thus the decline in freshwater mussels may lead to the collapse of other riverine faunas.
However, no studies have examined what the decline in native mussels may mean to other river organisms
or stream ecosystem function. Our study is both documenting the distribution and abundance of mussels in
Ouachita Upland rivers and examining the relationships between mussels and the invertebrates and fishes
with which they co-occur. Ouachita Upland rivers are an ideal system to examine these relationships since
many rivers have not lost a significant proportion of their species to extinction.
Complete species list
Species lists by river
OMuuach
Insects
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Insects.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:31 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Benthic Macroinvertebrates: Insects
This is a preliminary list of insects. Many specimens are still being identified by our taxonomic experts.
Class Insecta
Order Coleoptera (beetles) Order Ephemeroptera
(mayflies)
Order Odonata
Family Dermestidae Family Baetidae Family Coenagrionidae
Family Elmidae Acentrella sp.
Acerpenna pygmaea
Acerpenna sp.
Apobaetis sp.
Baetis intercalaris
Baetis sp.
Heterocloeon sp.
Paracloeodes sp.
Plauditus sp.
Proceloeon sp.
Argia lugines
Argia pulla
Argia sp.
Ancyronyx variegatus
Dubiraphia sp.
Heterelmis sp.
Microcylloepus pusillus
Microcylloepus sp.
Neoelmis caesa
Neoelmis sp.
Ordobrevia nubifera
Stenelmis exigua
Stenelmis parva
Stenelmis sp.
Family Corduliidae
Macromiinae group
Family Gomphidae
Arigomphus sp.
Dromogomphus sp.
Gomphus sp.
Hagenius sp.
Phyllogomphoides
sp.
Stylogomphus sp.
Family Baetiscidae
Baetisca sp.
Family Gyrinidae Family Caenidae
Dineutus sp. Order Plecoptera
Gyretes sp.
Amercaenis sp.
Brachycercus sp.
Caenis hilaris
Caenis sp.
Family Perlidae
Acroneuria sp.
Neoperla sp.
Paragnetina sp.
Family Psephenidae
Ectopria sp.
Psephenus sp. Family Ephemerellidae
Serretella frisoni
Order Diptera (true flies) Family Ephemeridae Order Trichoptera
Ephemera sp. Family Brachycentridae.
Hexagenia sp.
Family Athericidae
Atherix sp. Family Glossomatidae
Suragina sp. Family Heptageniidae Family Helicopsychidae
Helicopsyche
borealis
Cinygmula sp.
Leucrocuta sp.
Stenacron sp.
Stenonema bednariki
Stenonema femoratum
Stenonema luteum
Stenonema
mediopunctatum
Stenonema meririvulanum
Stenonema modestum
Stenonema pulchellum
Stenonema rubrum
Stenonema terminatum
Stenonema tripunctatum
Stenonema sp.
Family Ceratopogonidae
Family Chaoboridae Family Hydropsychidae
Cheumatopsyche sp.
Diplectrona sp.
Homoplectra sp.
Hydropsyche
scalaris
Hydropsyche sp.
Metrichia sp.
Chaoborus sp.
Family Chironomidae
currently being
identified
Family Empididae
Hemerodromia sp.
Family Ephydridae
Brachydeutera sp. Family Hydroptilidae
Hydroptila sp.
Metrichia sp.
Neotrichia sp.
Oecetis sp.
Family Muscidae
Family Simuliidae
Ectemia sp.
Insects
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Insects.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:31 PM]
Metacnephia sp.
Simulium sp.
Oxyemira sp.
Family Tabanidae Family Isonychiidae Family Leptoceridae
Ceraclea sp.
Mystacides sp.
Nectopsyche pavida
Nectopsyche
exquisita
Nectopsyche sp.
Oecetis sp.
Setodes sp.
Tabanus sp. Isonychia sp.
Family Tipulidae Family Leptophlebiidae
Choroterpes sp.
Neochoroterpes sp.
Hexatoma sp.
Family Polymitarcyidae
Anthopotamus sp.
Ephoron album
Ephoron sp. Family Odontoceridae
Family Potamanthidae Marrillia sp.
Anthopotamus myops Family Philopotamidae
Anthopotamus sp. Chimarra sp.
Family
Polycentropodidae
Family Tricorythidae
Cernotina sp.
Neureclipsis sp.
Polycentropus sp.
Tricorythodes albilineatus
Tricorythodes curvatus
Tricorythodes sp.
Order Lepidoptera
Family Pyralidae
Petrophila sp.
Order Megaloptera
Family Corydalidae
Corydalus sp.
Orohernes sp.
Family Sialidae
Sialis sp.
Untitled Document
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/allmussels.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:32 PM]
Mussels from the nine rivers we surveyed in the Ouachita Uplands
Actinonais ligamentina :
mucket
Obovaria jacksoniana : southern hickorynut
Alasmidonta marginata :
elktoe
Plectomerus dombeyanus : bankclimber
Amblema plicata :
threeridge
Pleurobema rubrum : pyramid pigtoe
Anodonta suborbiculata :
flat floater
Pleurobema sintoxia : round pigtoe
Arcidens confragosus :
rock-pocketbook
Potamilus ohiensis : pink papershell
Arkansia wheeleri :
Ouachita rock-pocketbook
Potamilus purpuratus : bleufer
Cyprogenia aberti :
western fanshell
Ptychobranchus occidentalis : Ouachita kidneyshell
Ellipsaria lineolata :
butterfly
Pyganodon grandis : giant floater
Elliptio crassidens :
elephantear
Quadrula apiculata : southern mapleleaf
Elliptio dilatata : spike Quadrula cylindrica : rabbitsfoot
Fusconaia ebena :
ebonyshell
Quadrula fragosa : winged mapleleaf
Fusconaia flava :
Wabash pigtoe
Quadrula metanevra : monkeyface
Lampsilis abrupta : pink
mucket
Quadrula nobilus
Lampsilis cardium : plain
pocketbook
Quadrula nodulata : wartback
Lampsilis hydiana :
Louisiana fatmucket
Quadrula pustulosa : pimpleback
Lampsilis powellii :
Arkansas fatmucket
Quadrula quadrula : mapleleaf
Lampsilis satura :
sandbank pocketbook
Strophitus undulatus : creeper
Lampsilis siliquoidea :
fatmucket
Toxolasma lividus : purple lilliput
Lampsilis teres : yellow
sandshell
Toxolasma parvus : lilliput
Lasmigona complanata :
white heelsplitter
Tritogonia verrucosa : pistolgrip
Lasmigona costata :
flutedshell
Truncilla donaciformis : fawnsfoot
Leptodea fragilis : fragile
papershell
Truncilla truncata : deertoe
Leptodea leptodon :
scaleshell
Uniomerus tetralasmus : pondhorn
Ligumia recta : black
sandshell
Utterbackia imbecillus : paper pondshell
Ligumia subrostrata :
pondmussel
Villosa arkanasasensis : Ouachita creekshell
Megalonaias nervosa :
washboard
Villosa iris : rainbow
Untitled Document
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/allmussels.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:32 PM]
Obliquaria reflexa :
threehorn wartback
Villosa lienosa : little spectaclecase
Untitled Document
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/mussbyriv.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:33 PM]
Mussel species lists by river
Caddo River
Glover River
Kiamichi River
Little River
Mountain Fork River
Ouachita River
Poteau River
Saline River
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/caddo%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:33 PM]
Actinonaias ligamentina mucket
Alasmidonta marginata elktoe
Amblema plicata threeridge
Cyprogenia aberti western fanshell
Elliptio crassidens elephantear
Elliptio dilatata spike
Fusconaia flava Wabash pigtoe
Lampsilis hydiana Louisiana fatmucket
Lampsilis powellii Arkansas fatmucket
Lampsilis satura sandbank pocketbook
Lasmigona costata flutedshell
Ptychobranchus occidentalis Ouachita kidneyshell
Strophitus undulatus creeper
Villosa lienosa little spectaclecase
Mussels (Bivalvia, family Unionidae) known from the Caddo River. This is an incomplete list as some
specimens are still being identified.
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/glover%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:33 PM]
Mussels (Bivalvia, family Unionidae) from the Glover River. This is an incomplete list as some specimens are
still being identified.
Acinonaias ligamentina mucket
Amblema plicata threeridge
Ellipsaria lineolata butterfly
Fusconaia flava Wabash pigtoe
Lampsilis cardium plain pocketbook
Lampsilis siliquoidea fat pocketbook
Lasmigona costata fluted-shell
Leptodea fragilis fragile papershell
Plectomerus
dombeyanus bankclimber
Potamilus purpuratus bleufer
Ptychobranchus
occidentalis Ouachita kidneyshell
Quadrula cylindrica rabbitsfoot
Quadrula pustulosa pimpleback
Quadrula quadrula mapleleaf
Strophitus undulatus creeper
Toxolasma parvus lilliput
Tritogonia verrucosa pistolgrip
Truncilla truncata deertoe
Uniomerus tetralasmus pondhorn
Villosa arkanasasensis Ouachita creekshell
Villosa iris rainbow
Villosa lienosa little spectaclecase
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/kiamichi%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:34 PM]
Mussels (Bivalvia, family Unionidae) known from the Kiamichi River.
Actinonaias ligamentina mucket
Amblema plicata threeridge
Arkansia wheeleri Ouachita rockpocketbook
Ellipsaria lineolata butterfly
Fusconaia flava Wabash pigtoe
Lampsilis cardium plain pocketbook
Lampsilis siliquoidea fatmucket
Lampsilis teres yellow sandshell
Lasmigona complanata white heelsplitter
Lasmigona costata flutedshell
Leptodea fragilis fragile papershell
Leptodea leptodon scaleshell
Ligumia subrostrata pondmussel
Megalonaias nervosa washboard
Obliquaria reflexa threehorn wartyback
Obovaria jacksoniana southern hickorynut
Plectomerus dombeyanus bankclimber
Pleurobema rubrum pyramid pigtoe
Potamilus purpuratus bleufer
Ptychobranchus occidentalis Ouachita kidneyshell
Pyganodon grandis giant floater
Quadrula fragosa winged mapleleaf*
Quadrula pustulosa pimpleback
Quadrula quadrula mapleleaf
Strophitus undulatus creeper
Toxolasma parvus lilliput
Toxolasma texasensis Texas lilliput
Tritogonia verrucosa pistolgrip
Truncilla truncata deertoe
Villosa arkanasasensis Ouachita creekshell
Villosa iris rainbow
Villosa lienosa little spectaclecase
*Not found in this study but reported to occur. We think the specimens found are a morphological variation
of Quadrula quadrula, not Q. fragosa.
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/little%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:34 PM]
Mussels (Bivalvia, family Unionidae) known from the Little River. This is an incomplete list as some
specimens are still being identified.
Actinonaias ligamentina mucket
Amblema plicata threeridge
Arkansia wheeleri Ouachita rock pocketbook
Ellipsaria lineolata butterfly
Elliptio dilatata spike
Fusconaia flava Wabash pigtoe
Lampsilis cardium plain pocketbook
Lampsilis satura sandbank pocketbook
Lampsilis siliquoidea fatmucket
Lampsilis teres yellow sandshell
Lasmigona complanata white heelsplitter
Lasmigona costata flutedshell
Leptodea fragilis fragile papershell
Ligumia subrostrata pondmussel
Megalonaias nervosa washboard
Obliquaria reflexa threehorn wartyback
Plectomerus dombeyanus bankclimber
Pleurobema rubrum pyramid pigtoe
Pleurobema sintoxia round pigtoe
Potamilus purpuratus bleufer
Ptychobranchus occidentalis Ouachita kidneyshell
Pyganodon grandis giant floater
Quadrula apiculata southern mapleleaf
Quadrula cylindrica rabbitsfoot
Quadrula nodulata wartyback
Quadrula pustulosa pimpleback
Quadrula quadrula mapleleaf
Strophitus undulatus creeper
Toxolasma parvus lilliput
Toxolasma texasensis Texas lilliput
Tritogonia verrucosa pistolgrip
Truncilla donaciformis fawnsfoot
Truncilla truncata deertoe
Utterbackia imbecillis paper pondshell
Villosa arkanasasensis Ouachita creekshell
Villosa iris rainbow
Villosa lienosa little spectaclecase
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/mt%20fork%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:34 PM]
Mussels (Bivalvia, family Unionidae) from the Mountain Fork River. This is an incomplete list as some
specimens are still being identified.
Actinonaias ligamentina mucket
Amblema plicata threeridge
Fusconaia flava Wabash pigtoe
Lampsilis cardium plain pocketbook
Lampsilis siliquoidea fatmucket
Lasmigona costata flutedshell
Ligumia subrostrata pondmussel
Obovaria jacksoniana southern hickorynut
Ptychobranchus occidentalis Ouachita kidneyshell
Quadrula pustulosa pimpleback
Quadrula quadrula mapleleaf
Strophitus undulatus creeper
Toxolasma parvus lilliput
Toxolasma texasensis Texas lilliput
Tritogonia verrucosa pistolgrip
Truncilla donaciformis fawnsfoot
Villosa arkansasensis Ouachita creekshell
Villosa iris rainbow
Villosa lienosa little spectaclecase
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/ouachita%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:35 PM]
Mussels (Bivalvia, family Unionidae) known from the Ouachita River. This is an incomplete list as some
specimens are still being identified. * Not found in this study, but known to occur further downstream
(Posey, W. R. 1997. Location, species composition and community estimates for mussel beds in the St.
Francis and Ouachita Rivers in Arkansas. M.S. thesis, Arkansas State University. 178 pp.)
Alasmidonta marginata elktoe
Alasmidonta sp
Actinonaias ligamentina mucket
Amblema plicata threeridge
Arkansia wheeleri Ouachita rock-pocketbook*
Cyprogenia aberti western fanshell
Elliptio crassidens elephantear
Elliptio dilatata spike
Ellipsaria lineolata butterfly
Fusconaia flava Wabash pigtoe
Fusconaia ebena ebonyshell
Lampsilis abrubta pink mucket*
Lampsilis cardium plain pocketbook
Lampsilis hydiana Louisiana fatmucket*
Lampsilis satura sandbank pocketbook
Lampsilis siliquoidea fatmucket
Lampsilis teres yellow sandshell
Lasmigona costata flutedshell
Leptodea fragilis fragile papershell
Ligumia recta black sandshell
Ligumia subrostrata pondmussel
Megalonaias nervosa washboard*
Obliquaria reflexa threehorn wartyback
Obovaria jacksoniana southern hickorynut
Potamilus ohiensis pink papershell*
Potamilus purpuratus bleufer
Plectomerus dombeyanus bankclimber*
Pleurobema sintoxia round pigtoe
Pleurobema rubrum pyramid pigtoe*
Ptychobranchus occidentalis Ouachita kidneyshell
Quadrula cylindrica rabbitsfoot
Quadrula metanevra monkeyface
Quadrula nodulata wartyback*
Quadrula pustulosa pimpleback
Quadrula quadrula mapleleaf
Strophitus undulatus creeper
Toxolasma parvus lilliput
Tritogonia verrucosa pistolgrip
Truncilla donaciformis fawnsfoot
Truncilla truncata deertoe
Utterbackia imbecillis paper pondshell
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/ouachita%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:35 PM]
Villosa iris rainbow
Villosa lienosa little spectaclecase
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/poteau%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:35 PM]
Mussels (Bivalvia, family Unionidae) known from the Poteau River. This is an incomplete list as some
specimens are still being identified. *Not found in our sampling, but found by John Harris in his survey of the
upper Poteau River in Arkansas (Harris, J.L. 1994. Survey of the Freshwater Mussels (Mollusca: Unionidae) of the
Poteau River in Arkansas).
Actinonaias ligamentina mucket
Amblema plicata threeridge
Arcidens confragosus rock pocketbook
Elliptio dilatata spike
Ellipsaria lineolata butterfly
Fusconaia flava Wabash pigtoe
Lampsilis cardium plain pocketbook
Lampsilis hydiana Louisiana fatmucket
Lampsilis siliquoidea fatmucket
Lampsilis teres yellow sandshell
Lasmigona complanata white heelsplitter
Lasmigona costata flutedshell
Leptodea fragilis fragile papershell
Ligumia subrostrata pondmussel*
Megalonaias nervosa washboard
Obliquaria reflexa threehorn wartyback
Obovaria jacksoniana southern hickorynut*
Pleurobema sintoxia round pigtoe
Potamilus purpuratus bleufer
Pyganodon grandis giant floater
Quadrula nobilis Gulf mapleleaf
Quadrula nodulata wartyback
Quadrula pustulosa pimpleback
Quadrula quadrula mapleleaf
Strophitus undulatus creeper
Toxolasma lividus purple lilliput*
Toxolasma parvus lilliput
Tritogonia verrucosa pistolgrip
Truncilla donaciformis fawnsfoot*
Truncilla truncata deertoe
Utterbackia imbecillis paper pondshell*
Villosa arkanasasensis Ouachita creekshell*
Villosa iris rainbow
Villosa lienosa little spectaclecase*
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/saline%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:36 PM]
Mussels (Bivalvia, family Unionidae) from the Saline River. This is an incomplete list as some specimens are
still being identified. * Not found in this study, but found further downstream (Davidson, C.L. 1997. Analysis
of the mussel beds in the Little Missouri and Saline Rivers, Blue Mountain, Ozark and Dardanelle Lakes,
Arkansas. MS thesis, Arkansas State University. 156 pp.).
Alasmidonta marginata elktoe
Actinonaias ligamentina mucket
Amblema plicata threeridge
Anodonta suborbiculata flat floater*
Cyprogenia aberti western fanshell
Ellipsaria lineolata butterfly*
Elliptio dilatata spike
Fusconaia flava Wabash pigtoe
Fusconaia ebena ebonyshell
Lampsilis abrubta pink mucket*
Lampsilis cardium plain pocketbook
Lampsilis hydiana Louisiana fatmucket*
Lampsilis powelli Arkansas fatmucket
Lampsilis satura sandbank pocketbook
Lampsilis teres yellow sandshell*
Lasmigona costata fluted-shell
Leptodea fragilis fragile papershell *
Ligumia subrostrata pondmussel*
Megalonaias nervosa washboard*
Obliquaria reflexa threehorn wartyback*
Obovaria jacksoniana southern hickorynut*
Plectomerus dombeyanus bankclimber*
Pleurobema sintoxia round pigtoe
Potamilus purpuratus bleufer*
Ptychobranchus
occidentalis Ouachita kidneyshell
Pyganodon grandis giant floater
Quadrula pustulosa pimpleback
Quadrula metanevra monkeyface*
Quadrula nodulata wartyback*
Quadrula quadrula mapleleaf*
Strophitus undulatus creeper
Toxolasma lividus purple lilliput*
Tritogonia verrucosa pistolgrip
Truncilla donaciformis fawnsfoot*
Truncilla truncata deertoe*
Utterbackia imbecillis paper pondshell
Villosa iris rainbow
Villosa lienosa little spectaclecase
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/saline%20mussel%20list.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:36 PM]
Scientists
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Scientists.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:02 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND RIVERS
Aquatic Ecology Enthusiasts
Field Crew 2000 - Adam, Jennifer, Melissa and Dan
Dr. Caryn Vaughn
(cvaughn@ou.edu) is the
Principal Investigator on
the project. Caryn also is
the Director of the
Oklahoma Biological Survey
and an Associate Professor
of Zoology at the University
of Oklahoma. She is a
stream ecologist interested
in all aspects of freshwater
mussel biology, especially
ecology and conservation.
Daniel Spooner
(dspooner@ou.edu) is a Graduate
Research Assistant on the project.
His responsibilities include,
surveying, identifying, and
cataloging freshwater mussels.
Daniel is a PhD student in the
Department of Zoology at the
University of Oklahoma.
.Melissa Moore
(mmoore@ou.edu) was a Graduate
Research Assistant on the project.
Her responsibilities included
surveying, identifying and
cataloging samples of benthic
insects and meiofauna. Melissa
received her M.S. in Zoology from
the University of Oklahoma in July,
2002, and is now a college teacher
in Alabama
Dan and Jennifer on the Kiamichi River
Jennifer Johnson was a student technician on the project for
several years. Jennifer participated in field surveys, sorted
numerous samples of benthic invertebrates, and entered lots of
data. Jennifer is now working as a technician at the NSF Sevilleta
LTER site and completing an M.S. in Botany from the University of
Oklahoma
.
Ferrella March (ferrella@ou.edu)
is a Graduate Research Assistant
on the project. Ferrella is currently
identifying the chironomid larve we
collected. She is pursuing her MS
in Zoology, studying reservoir
aging.
Heather Basara was an REU student
technician on the project. Heather
participated in field surveys, processed
benthic samples, and performed data entry.
Heather has moved the mussel catalog
between software platforms and designed
this web page. Heather is currently working
on a Ph.D. in Environmental Managment at
the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences
Center.
Scientists
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Scientists.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:02 PM]
Ferrella at the scope!
Adam Richardson worked as an REU undergraduate
field assistant on the project in 1999 and 2000. Adam
recently graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State
University and is now working in a marine biology
laboratory at the University of South Florida. He is
applying to graduate schools and wants to study shark
biology.
Chad Kolkmann was an REU undergraduate field
assistant on the project in summer 1999.
Joy Boggs was an undergraduate student
technician on the project. Joy's responsibilities
included sorting samples of benthic and
meiofaunal invertebrates and data entry. Joy
is now working as a veterinary technician.
William Mahoney was an undergraduate student technician on the project. William's responsibilities included
sorting samples of benthic and meiofaunal invertebrates and data entry. William is now working as a forensic
biologist with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Sarah Maddux was an undergraduate REU student technician on the project. Sarah sorted samples of
meiofauna.
Eric Webber and Cara Hilgenfeld are undergraduate student technicians currently sorting meiofauna samples.
Additional scientists were consulted for identification and verification of various taxa. See the Experts page for
details.
Sampling Methods
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/samplingmethods.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:05 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Sampling Methods
Mussel habitat can often be identified
by the presence of dead shell material
on the banks and in the water. We
sample mussels by snorkeling over their
habitat and looking for their siphons
sticking up out of the sediment. In
most cases mussels are carefully picked
up, identified and measured, and
returned alive to the stream bottom.
We take only limited voucher
specimens. Tissue for genetic studies is
sampled by taking a small clipping of
mantle from the mussel and returning
the live mussel to its habitat.
Benthic invertebrates are quantitatively
sampled using an apparatus that
vacuums the substrate within a
predefined area. This apparatus was
designed by Dr. Art Brown from the
University of Arkansas. We also
qualitatively sample benthic
invertebrates with nets at stream
margins and in other unique habitats.
The adult forms for benthic insects are
collected by UV light traps. Meiofauna
are sampled by taking sediment core
samples. Fishes are sampled by seining.
Experts
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/Biodiversity_Web_Site/Experts.htm[1/25/2012 3:05:05 PM]
BIODIVERSITY of OUACHITA UPLAND
RIVERS
Taxonomic Experts
We are grateful to the following scientists for their help in
identifying Ouachita Upland stream organisms. Dr. Cheryl Barr : Elmidae
David Baumgardner :
Ephemeroptera
Dr. Elizabeth Bergey :
Lepidoptera
Dr. Arthur Bogan :
Gastropoda / Unionidae
Dr. Harley Brown : Elmidae
Heidi Dunn : Oligochaeta
Dr. Donald Klemm : Hirudinea
Dr. Boris Kondratieff :
Megaloptera and Plecoptera
Dr. William Matthews : Fishes
Dr. Dave Ruiter : Trichoptera