UT-CO Freshwater Mollusks Survey

Study Extent

Freshwater habitats in the States of Utah and Colorado in the United States of America (USA).

Sampling

Assembly of information from literature and databases required use of an array of resources. We first searched large previously-compiled databases available online such as USGS BISON and GBIF (See Table 1 for a complete list). These databases were used to identify primary sources (defined as where the data were originally published), including museums, peer and non-peer reviewed literature and reports, and direct contacts. Once primary sources were identified, museums and online databases were searched for online records of target species. The purpose of searching these online resources first was to identify the bulk of available records in Utah and Colorado that would likely also be found during literature searches, thus minimizing time spent entering data. By initially collecting records from museums, online databases, and direct contacts, we could obtain the most current records available from institutions and organizations responsible for collection and reporting of specimens.

Quality Control

Data were recorded verbatim from the primary source. We occasionally found that initial species identifications had been challenged or later changed, and we made corresponding changes to our reported data. Other than correcting for published synonymies, we could not independently determine the accuracy of species identifications. While the data presented in this report is as accurate as the scope and intention of this project allows, there is a degree of taxonomic uncertainty, as is present with any taxonomy. As such, records should be thoroughly vetted and specimen of interest may require re-examination by species experts.

Method steps

1. See Sampling Description.

All non-pulmonate, freshwater taxa found in Utah and Colorado identified to species when possible. Some nonnative mollusks were also included.

1. Corbiculidae
   common name: basket clams rank: family
2. Dreissenidae
   common name: false mussels, platform mussels rank: family
3. Margaritiferidae
   common name: freshwater pearl mussels rank: family
4. Sphaeriidae
   common name: pea clams, fingernail clams rank: family
5. Unionidae
   common name: unionids, river mussels rank: family
6. Bithyniidae
   common name: mud snails rank: family
7. Cochlicopidae
   common name: pillar snails rank: family
8. Hydrobiidae
   common name: mud snails rank: family
9. Planorbidae
   common name: ramshorn snails, ram's horn snails rank: family
10. Pleuroceridae
    common name: pleurocerids rank: family
11. Pomatiopsidae
    common name: pomatiopsidae rank: family
12. Valvatidae
    common name: valve snails rank: family
13. Viviparidae
    common name: mystery snails rank: family

The States of Utah and Colorado in the United States of America (USA).