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Horse mussels
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Horse mussels
Tulip mussel, Modiolus americanus (Modiola americana), bearded horse mussel, Modiolus barbatus (Modiola gibbsii), and bent mussel (Modiola incurvata). Handcoloured copperplate engraving drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder from William Elford Leachs Zoological Miscellany, McMillan, London, 1815
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Media ID 23210436
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Americana Americanus Barbatus Bearded Bent Conchology Elford Gibbs Mussel Nodder Polydore Shell Tulip Modiolus
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This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving, drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder for William Elford Leach's Zoological Miscellany published in London in 1815, showcases a captivating assemblage of four distinct species of horse mussels, also known as modiolids: the Tulip mussel (Modiolus americanus), Bearded horse mussel (Modiolus barbatus), Bent mussel (Modiola incurvata), and the less common Modiola gibbsii. The Tulip mussel, also referred to as the American horse mussel, is characterized by its elongated, oval shape and the distinctive tulip-like protrusion on its anterior end. The Bearded horse mussel, also known as the Common horse mussel, boasts a smooth, elongated shell with a characteristic beard of byssal threads. The Bent mussel, as its name suggests, displays a distinctively curved shell. Lastly, the Bent mussel with a Gibbs's appendage, or Modiola gibbsii, is a rare and elusive species, with a small, rounded shell and a unique, elongated, filamentous appendage. This stunning engraving offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the horse mussel family and the meticulous attention to detail of the 19th-century naturalist community. The intricate lines and delicate shading of the engraving bring the intricate patterns and textures of these mussel shells to life, making it a true masterpiece of conchology. The horse mussels depicted in this engraving have historical significance, as they were once abundant in European and North American waters, providing sustenance and economic value to local communities. Today, however, many populations of these mussels are threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation, making the preservation of historical records like this all the more important.
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