Mapleleaf mussel (Quadrula quadrula) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 10

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Special Significance of the Species

There are 20 recognized species in the genus Quadrula of which 1 species is considered extinct and 4 species are considered endangered in the United States. Almost all of the remaining species are considered vulnerable to critically imperiled in most of their ranges (NatureServe accessed 26 November 2004). Two species of the genus, Q. pustulosa and Q. quadrula, are recorded from Canada. Quadrula quadrula is the most widespread species of the genus and, in Canada, is present in Manitoba and southwestern Ontario. Quadrula quadrula also appears, for now, to be the most stable in much of its distribution of all the species in the genus. Considering the state of the members of the genus, Quadrula quadrula may represent the best opportunity to maintain representation of the genus Quadrula for the long term. Canadian populations occur in separate continental watersheds that are separate from the main distribution of this species and appear to represent unique genetic and ecological information important in conserving the diversity of the species.