Freshwater Mussels of Kansas: Register of Taxa, Synonyms, and Assumed Misidentifications

The literature on freshwater mussels (Mollusca: Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) of Kansas includes a collection of names of species and subspecies that makes it difficult for even experienced malacologists to decipher which taxa actually were collected. Compounding this problem is the absence of voucher specimens for some of the studies conducted in the state. This list was compiled to aid those who are conducting research and want to assess their results with reference to the earlier accounts. The alphabetical list of valid taxa, synonyms, and assumed misidentifications of freshwater mussels of Kansas is drawn from the literature and not an examination of specimens. In addition to the list of taxa, published references and selected reports that include each species or synonym are provided. - Updated February 15, 2025, prior update January 2023