Carolina Fatmucket
Scientific Name: Villosa vaughaniana
Classification: State Endangered
Photo Credit: NCWRC
Description
Isaac Lea described this subspecies from the Yadkin River, North Carolina in 1872 (Johnson 1970). Like Lampsilis radiata radiata, the shell is elliptical in shape. The posterior ridge is well rounded. Umbos are swollen and extend above the hinge line. Both the posterior and anterior ends of the shell are rounded. In general, the surface of the periostracum is smoother than that of L. radiata radiata and the shell is heavier and more inflated. The periostracum is reddish-brown with dark greenish black rays over most of the shell. The nacre is usually iridescent salmon. The lateral teeth are long and slightly curved—two on the left valve and one on the right valve. Two pseudocardinal teeth are found on each valve.
Shell Anatomy
Distribution
Distribution by County: Cape Fear River Basin: Bladen Co. (Black River Subbasin); CumberlandCo. (Cape Fear River); Pender Co. (Black River Subbasin); Sampson Co. (BlackRiver Subbasin). Lumber River Basin: Robeson Co. (Ashpole Swamp, Aarons Swamp).Neuse River Basin: Johnston Co. (Swift Cr. and Little River subbasins). NOTE:All headwater areas that flow into these occupied habitats should receivespecial management.
Habitat Preferences
The Carolina fatmucket is found in gravel, cobble, or boulder substrates as well as in impounded habitats such as Lake Michie (Walter 1956) and Lake Tillery.
Life History
This species is a bradytictic breeder. Walter (1954) found gravid Carolina fatmucket females during the fall and early winter months. Fish hosts are unknown.