The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is a small species of freshwater bivalve mollusc. Its shell has a striped pattern, hence its name. The overall shape of these attractive shells is not dissimilar to that of the more familiar marine mussels found along Britain’s coasts and they live in a similar way, attaching themselves in clumps to stones, weed, or other shells.
Zebra mussels were originally native to southern Russian lakes, but were accidentally introduced to other countries and are now considered an invasive species. In Britain, they were first reported in the 1820s. Today, they are widespread in many Warwickshire waterways and have been known to clog pipes and water treatment plants. Look out for their unusually shaped and patterned shells amongst material dredged from canals and rivers.
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Zebra mussel records needed!
Please send any sightings of the zebra mussel to the Warwickshire Biological Records Centre (WBRC) at wbrc@warwickshire.gov.uk
Although this species is considered widespread in Warwickshire and national distribution maps illustrate that it covers all Warwickshire, the WBRC has only three records in the database! One record dated 1959 and two records dated 1985. WBRC is currently undertaking mapping of all invasive species in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull thus any up-to-date records of invasive species are highly appreciated.
Warwickshire Museum would welcome potential donations of zebra mussel shells. Despite being so widespread, we don’t have any good examples in our collections.
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