Plectomerus

Plectomerus is a monotypic genus of freshwater mussels in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.^[3] The sole species in the genus is Plectomerus dombeyanus. Its common name is bankclimber, as it can be found buried in steep slopes a considerable distance from water.^[4]

Plectomerus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Secure  (NatureServe)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Bivalvia
Order:	Unionida
Family:	Unionidae
Tribe:	Amblemini
Genus:	Plectomerus Conrad, 1853
Species:	P. dombeyanus
Binomial name
Plectomerus dombeyanus (Valenciennes in Humboldt & Bonpland, 1827)
Synonyms
Amblema dombeyanus Quadrula trapezoides

Distribution

This species is native to the Southeastern United States, from Texas to Florida, ranging as far north as Illinois.^[2][4]

Description

This mussel is not sexually dimorphic; the sexes appear the same. The shell is somewhat rhomboidal shaped, up to 150 millimetres (5.9 in) long. The shell is greenish brown to brown, darkening to black with age, and its nacre is usually deep purple.