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Mapleleaf
ExploreInvertebrate
Mapleleaf
Quadrula quadrula
The Mapleleaf is a special freshwater mussel with a beautiful, leaf-shaped shell. It lives in rivers and lakes, helping to keep the water clean by filtering it.
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes
Appearance
The Mapleleaf has a distinctive, chunky shell that is roughly square or trapezoidal in shape. Its surface is covered with large, rounded bumps or 'tubercles,' giving it a knobby texture. The shell color ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown, often with lighter rays.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderUnionidaFamilyUnionidaeGenusQuadrula
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
7
Interesting facts
A single Mapleleaf mussel can filter over 10 gallons of water every single day!
Mapleleaf mussel shells grow yearly rings, just like trees, that show exactly how old they are!
Their tiny larvae are called glochidia and must briefly live on a fish to grow bigger!
These mussels move around using a single, powerful muscular 'foot' to slowly pull themselves along!
Special abilities
Ability
Fishy Hitchhikers
Mapleleaf can release microscopic larvae that temporarily attach to fish gills, ensuring their young travel far and wide.
Ability
Nature's Water Filter
Mapleleaf has special gills that constantly filter water, removing tiny particles and helping to keep rivers clean.
Ability
Underground Home
Mapleleaf can burrow deep into the riverbed sediment, allowing them to hide safely from many predators.
Measurements & details
- Shell Length
- 12 cm
- Shell Width
- 9 cm
- Lifespan
- 50 years
Diet & Feeding
The Mapleleaf is a filter-feeder, straining tiny food particles like algae and bacteria from the water.
Primary Foods
- algae
- bacteria
- detritus
- phytoplankton
- zooplankton
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
Traits
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful near water! Always swim with an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Mapleleaf?
The easiest way to identify Mapleleaf is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How big is Mapleleaf?
12 cm
How long does Mapleleaf live?
50 years
What does Mapleleaf eat?
The Mapleleaf is a filter-feeder, straining tiny food particles like algae and bacteria from the water.
Where is Mapleleaf usually found?
Freshwater rivers and lakes
How does Mapleleaf hunt?
Filter Feeding
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Jun 3, 2026
Robert Allerton Parki
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 3, 2026
Robert Allerton Parki
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 3, 2026
Robert Allerton Parki
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 3, 2026
Robert Allerton Parki
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 3, 2026
Robert Allerton Parki
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Park39 sightings50 species
Iowa, US
Lock and Dam No. 12
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Park30 sightings12 species
Alabama, US
Icehouse Historic District
You might spot Spanish Moss, Mediterranean House Gecko, and Anole.
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Park24 sightings12 species
Nebraska, US
Pawnee County Courthouse
You might spot Wabash Pigtoe, Three-Ridge Mussel, and Creeper.
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Park30 sightings12 species
Illinois, US
Robert Allerton Park
You might spot Spring Blue-Eyed Mary and Dutchman's Breeches.
View guide →
Park30 sightings12 species
Alabama, US
Water Avenue Historic District
You might spot Spanish Moss, Mapleleaf, and Mediterranean House Gecko.
View guide →
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