1. Neosho Mucket Mussel LampsilisRafinequeana Lauren Reynolds and Jessica Steinbarger

2. Detailed Description of the Neosho Mucket Mussel • The Neosho Mucket Mussel lives in the Neosho River in Neosho Falls, Kansas. It has a rounded shell that looks similar to the shell of an oyster. The shell is thin and can be very long or very short. Some have a shell inside that looks like it has a rainbow on it. The outer shell is brown and has looks like it has arches on it.

3. Map

4. Estimated Population of Neosho Mucket Mussel • The estimated population in 2003 was 374,250 at 5 different sites in the Neosho River.

5. Habitat The Neosho Mucket Mussel lives in shallow clean river that moves fairly quick. It prefers fine to medium fine gravel/sand. Most Mussels are found in the Neosho, Cygnes, Cottonwood springs, Verdigris falls, and Caney River. All listed above have been recorded for the Neosho Mussel.

6. Where the Neosho Mucket Mussel Fits on the Food Web • Most wildlife eat Mucket Mussels, and the Mucket Mussels only eat insects. This puts the Neosho Mucket Mussel and the second tier.

7. Endangered List/ Reason for Being on Endangered List • It became endangered because there is less than 300,000 for the population. • It was put on the endangered species list in the 1950s because people were using the pearl from the shells to make necklaces and other valuable jewelry.

8. Biotic Potential The life cycle for a Mussel usually needs a host fish to complete the life cycle. The males release sperm and the females fertilize the egg in their pouch. The egg lives in the pouch until it becomes a larvae . These are parasites and have to have a suitable fish that will host to finish the life cycle. They usually live to 10-100 years. One female can hold a few thousands to several million Glochidia. They reproduce once during the warm months.