Pod Lance
Scientific Name: Elliptio folliculata
Classification: State Special Concern
Photo Credit: NCWRC
Isaac Lea described this species from the Savannah River, Georgia in 1838. The shell is elongate with dorsal and ventral margins parallel to each other. The ventral margin is usually concave. Umbos do not extend above the hinge line. The periostracum is dark brown to black. The pseudocardinal teeth are relatively small, and lateral teeth are long and slightly curved. The nacre color is variable from purple to a bluish white to pink.
Distribution
This species has been recorded from the Savannah River Drainage in Georgia, the Waccamaw River Drainage in North and South Carolina, and the Cape Fear Drainage in North Carolina. Distribution by County: Cape Fear River Basin: Bladen Co. (Black River); Brunswick Co. (Town Creek); Cumberland Co. (Cape Fear River, Carver's Creek); Duplin Co. (Northeast Cape Fear River); Harnett Co. (Cape Fear River); Pender Co. (Black River); Sampson Co. (Black River). Waccamaw River Basin: Columbus Co. (Waccamaw River Basin, including Lake Waccamaw). NOTE: All headwater areas that flow into these occupied habitats should receive special management.
Habitat Preferences
Porter (1985) found this species "in a sand substrate at greater than one meter depths in Lake Waccamaw waters." It may also be found in clay, in association with rooted aquatic vegetation in canals, and in small creeks to large rivers.
Life History
The pod lance is a tachytictic breeder; gravid females may be found July through August (Porter 1985)
General Life History for Mussels
Shell Anatomy
