The microsculpture of glochidia of some anodontine bivalves (Unionidae)

Abstract

Glochidia of three freshwater anodontine bivalves: Kunashiria Starobogatov in Zatrawkin, 1983, Sinanodonta Modell, 1944, from the Far East, and Anodonta Lamarck, 1799, were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Data on the microsculpture of the outer surface of glochidial valves are given. Among the three genera discussed, the glochidia of Anodonta are the largest, with a loose-looped outer microsculpture and numerous granules. The glochidia of Kunashiria and Sinanodonta differ by the valve height–length proportions and some details of the outer microsculpture: glochidia of Kunashiria have a tight-looped outer sculpture while the glochidia of Sinanodonta have a loose-net outer sculpture.