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Winged Mapleleaf Mussel Early Life History Investigations Conducted by the U.S. Department of the Interior in FY 2004

Executive Summary The implementation of plans to restore populations of the winged mapleleaf mussel (Quadrula fragosa) has been hindered for years by a lack of adequate early life history information for this federal endangered species, including the identity of its host fish species. Early life history investigations conducted by agencies of the U.S. Department of the Interior in fiscal year 2004 identified two suitable host fish species upon which winged mapleleaf glochidia will transform into juvenile mussels: the blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) and the channel catfish (I. punctatus). Analysis of thermal data collected during these studies also revealed apparent threshold temperatures necessary for transformational development to proceed without interruption (>9.24°C) and for transformed juveniles to release from host fish (17-20°C). These fundamental early life history findings can be applied to develop ecologically relevant, site-specific propagation strategies to help restore winged mapleleaf populations throughout the species historic range and may guide the development of improved propagation strategies to help recover other listed mussel species. Introduction The winged mapleleaf mussel, Quadrula fragosa (Conrad 1835), is a federal endangered species that has received considerable management attention in recent years. This species historically inhabited at least 34 river systems in 12 Midwestern states (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1997). However, just four populations are currently known to exist and the only confirmed reproducing population inhabits a 10-mile stretch of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway bordering Minnesota and Wisconsin. Efforts to recover the species are presently focused on the St. Croix River population which is at risk due to zebra mussel infestation, the effects of variable water releases at an upstream hydropower dam, and an incomplete knowledge of its life history. Among the recognized factors that are limiting recovery efforts for members of this apparent host overwintering (i.e., fall-released glochidia) mussel population (Watters and O'Dee, 2000; David Heath, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, pers. comm.) is a lack of early life history information, particularly regarding which species of fish can serve as a host for its parasitic Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) in La Crosse joined other team members in annual cooperative efforts to expand and accelerate the laboratory host fish identification program by making use of the well-equipped aquatic research facilities at the UMESC. This report summarizes the results of winged mapleleaf mussel early life history studies at the UMESC that were initiated in autumn 2003 by an interagency team of Interior Department employees …