''Plectomerus'' is a monotypic genus of freshwater mussels in the family Unionidae, the river mussels. The sole species in the genus is ''Plectomerus dombeyanus''. Its common name is bankclimber, as it can be found buried in steep slopes a considerable distance from water.

Distribution

This species is native to the Southeastern United States, from

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Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to ...

, ranging as far north as

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Description

This mussel is not

sexually dimorphic Sexual dimorphism is the condition where the sexes of the same animal and/or plant species exhibit different morphological characteristics, particularly characteristics not directly involved in reproduction. The condition occurs in most ani ...

; the sexes appear the same. The shell is somewhat rhomboidal shaped, up to long. The shell is greenish brown to brown, darkening to black with age, and its

nacre Nacre ( , ), also known as mother of pearl, is an organicinorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner shell layer; it is also the material of which pearls are composed. It is strong, resilient, and iridescent. Nacre is f ...

is usually deep purple.

References

Monotypic mollusc genera Unionidae {{Unionidae-stub