kids encyclopedia robot

Ochlockonee moccasinshell facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Ochlockonee moccasinshell
Medionidus simpsonianus 1905.png
Medionidus simpsonianus from the original description of the species by Walker, 1905
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Medionidus
Species:
simpsonianus

The Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus) is a special type of freshwater mussel. It's a small water animal with two shells, like a clam. These mussels are part of a group called mollusks and belong to the Unionidae family, also known as river mussels.

This unique mussel is found only in the United States. It lives in rivers, which are its natural habitat. Sadly, it is considered a critically endangered species, meaning it's at a very high risk of disappearing forever.

Discovering the Ochlockonee Moccasinshell

The Ochlockonee moccasinshell was first described as a new species in 1905. A scientist named Bryant Walker wrote about it in a science magazine called The Nautilus.

Walker found only three of these small mussels. They were discovered near Calvary, Georgia, but he didn't know the exact stream they came from. He named the species after another important scientist, Charles Torrey Simpson.

The original description mentioned that the shell is small and somewhat thin. It has a dark yellow color with dark green lines that look like a network. The shell also has strong, wavy ridges on its back slope.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Medionidus simpsonianus para niños

kids search engine
Ochlockonee moccasinshell Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.