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Venustaconcha | |
Venustaconcha are small lampsilines that are typically found in headwater streams and
that utilize darters and sculpins as hosts.
The lure of Venustaconcha pleasii consists of a small mantle flap
fringed with papillae. The flaps periodically flip closed and
open, revealing the marsupial gills within. This movement is very
responsive to disturbances such as shadows and vibration.
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Venustaconcha ellipsiformis is widespread in the upper Mississippi basin. Venustaconcha pleasii is an Ozark endemic, found only in the White River basin. |
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Venustaconcha pleasii. Ventral view, showing mantle flaps. Click here for video of lure display (this one is X-rated). File size is 2.8 megabytes. The structure attached to the shell on the upper left is a caddisfly case. |
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