Page 226 - The Freshwater Mussels of Oklahoma

Description:
“Shell oval or oblong, thick, solid, and inflated. Anterior and posterior ends
broadly rounded. Umbos slightly elevated above the hinge line, rounded, curved inward,
and directed forward. Beak sculpture of four or five delicate, double-looped bars, usually
evident only in very small shells. Shell smooth, olive green or yellowish brown, faintly
rayed in young shells, becoming dark brown in old individuals. Length to 4 inches
(10.2cm).
Pseudocardinal teeth triangular, relatively small, widely divergent, and horizontal.
Lateral teeth straight to slightly curved, wide, heavy, and fairly long. Interdentum
narrow. Beak cavity shallow. Nacre white, iridescent posteriorly” (Cummings and
Mayer, 1992).
Comments:
Branson (1984) states that “This species almost certainly occurs in northern and
eastern Oklahoma, based upon its total range.” One specimen (a single right valve) that
appears to be O. olivaria was collected at Peavine Hollow Public Access Area on the
Illinois River, Cherokee County, on 12 May, 1988 by L. K. Magrath.

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