New York Metropolitan Region and New Jersey
Freshwater Mussel Identification Handbook


Mussel Features
Posterior Ridge and Posterior Slope

     
 

     
 

    
The posterior end of
the shell may have useful
features for identification,
including a pronounced
posterior ridge in some
species, often combined
with a clearly defined
posterior slope.

    
Alasmidonta heterodon
 dwarf wedgemussel 

    
Alasmidonta varicosa
brook floater 

    
Species of Alasmidonta
have a short, steep slope.


     
 

     
 

     

     
 

     
 

    
In some species, such as
A. heterodon, the ridge
and slope may be more
rounded than, for example,
in A. varicosa. 

Genus Leptodea has a
strongly pronounced, edge-
like ridge in several species.


    
 Lampsilis cariosa
   yellow lampmussel

    
Leptodea ochracea
tidewater mucket

    
The posterior slope in
Lampsilis species is broader
and flatter.



    
View other features
Anterior and Posterior
Beak and Beak Sculpture   Color Ray
Growth Lines  Hinge Teeth 
Length, Width, Height, Profile, Silhouette 
 Posterior Ridge and Slope 
Shell Shape

    
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Mussel Features Menu
Front Page 
  Introduction to Mussels  
Species Menu    Key
Conservation and Monitoring
Bibliography   Glossary