Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Eastern Lampmussel

Lampsilis radiata radiata

Key Features

Size: Up to six inches.

Shape: Ovate or subovate. Mature females usually more rounded toward the posterior ventral margin. Valves slightly inflated, strong, and thick.

Periostracum: Color yellowish-green (juveniles) to yellowish-brown, greenish-brown, or brownish-black (adults). Shell rays numerous and prominent.

Lateral Teeth: Present. Two on the left valve and one on the right valve.

Pseudocardinal Teeth: Present. Two on the left valve and two or three on the right valve.
Nacre: Color white, bluish-white, or pink. Usually lighter in color and much thicker toward the anterior end.

Often Confused With ... Tidewater mucket, yellow lampmussel, and eastern elliptio

External shell of Eastern Lampmussel

External shell

Internal shell, right valve of Eastern Lampmussel

Internal shell, right valve

Hinge teeth of Eastern Lampmussel

Hinge teeth

Range map of Eastern LampmusselHabitat: The eastern lampmussel inhabits streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes, where it is usually quite common. It can be found in a variety of substrates but prefers sand and gravel.

Range in Connecticut: The eastern lampmussel is found in most major watersheds in Connecticut but is particularly common in the Connecticut River watershed.

Conservation: The eastern lampmussel is widespread and abundant throughout Connecticut, and is apparently tolerant of moderate habitat degradation and pollution. It is one of only four species in New England that is considered healthy and stable throughout its range.

Freshwater Mussel Fact Sheets

Eastern Pearlshell
Dwarf Wedgemussel
Triangle Floater
Brook Floater
Creeper
Eastern Elliptio
Eastern Floater
Alewife Floater
Eastern Pondmussel
Tidewater Mucket
Yellow Lampmussel
Eastern Lampmussel

The Freshwater Mussels of Connecticut

Content last updated on January 29, 2014.