Life in the Ochlockonee River
Ochlockonee Moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus)
Critically Endangered Species - (FWS, 1996)
Thought extinct until 2 specimens were found in 2007, the Ochlockonee moccasinshell is a small freshwater mussel that can reach a length of 2.2 inches (5.5 centimeters). This species is oval-shaped with an outer shell color that is light brown with dark green rays carved into the shell, and a bluish-white inner shell. Its valves are thin with two teeth in the left valve and one in the right. Due to its extreme rarity, the life history of the Ochlockonee moccasinshell is not known. The Ochlockonee moccasinshell inhabits large creeks and mid-sized rivers of moderate current that contain a sandy, gravel floor. Distribution is very limited as it is only found in the Ochlockonee River system in Georgia and Florida
Critically Endangered Species - (FWS, 1996)
Thought extinct until 2 specimens were found in 2007, the Ochlockonee moccasinshell is a small freshwater mussel that can reach a length of 2.2 inches (5.5 centimeters). This species is oval-shaped with an outer shell color that is light brown with dark green rays carved into the shell, and a bluish-white inner shell. Its valves are thin with two teeth in the left valve and one in the right. Due to its extreme rarity, the life history of the Ochlockonee moccasinshell is not known. The Ochlockonee moccasinshell inhabits large creeks and mid-sized rivers of moderate current that contain a sandy, gravel floor. Distribution is very limited as it is only found in the Ochlockonee River system in Georgia and Florida
Flatwoods Salamander (Amystoma cignulatum)
Endangered Species - (FWS, 1999)
Flatwoods salamanders are moderately-sized salamanders that are generally black to chocolate-black with fine, irregular, light gray lines and specks that form a cross-banded pattern across their backs. Adults are terrestrial and live underground most of the year. They breed in relatively small, isolated ephemeral ponds where the larvae develop until metamorphosis. Mature salamanders migrate out of the ponds and into uplands where they live until they move back to ponds to breed as adults.
Endangered Species - (FWS, 1999)
Flatwoods salamanders are moderately-sized salamanders that are generally black to chocolate-black with fine, irregular, light gray lines and specks that form a cross-banded pattern across their backs. Adults are terrestrial and live underground most of the year. They breed in relatively small, isolated ephemeral ponds where the larvae develop until metamorphosis. Mature salamanders migrate out of the ponds and into uplands where they live until they move back to ponds to breed as adults.
One Toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma pholeter)
The One-toed Amphiuma is listed as Rare and is protected in Georgia.
Thomas and Grady counties may be the northern limit for this species.
Until more is known of its distribution and biology, its habitat needs to
be protected to keep the species in the state. The wetlands it prefers
should be protected from drainage, siltation, and development. Very little information is available for this unusual species. Eggs are probably laid in June and July and hatch in late summer and early fall. It is unknown whether a larval stage exists for this species. Despite the presence of gill slits, one-toed amphiumas breath air by periodically protruding their snouts above the muck. These salamanders eat tiny clams, snails, aquatic earthworms, and a variety of arthropods.
The One-toed Amphiuma is listed as Rare and is protected in Georgia.
Thomas and Grady counties may be the northern limit for this species.
Until more is known of its distribution and biology, its habitat needs to
be protected to keep the species in the state. The wetlands it prefers
should be protected from drainage, siltation, and development. Very little information is available for this unusual species. Eggs are probably laid in June and July and hatch in late summer and early fall. It is unknown whether a larval stage exists for this species. Despite the presence of gill slits, one-toed amphiumas breath air by periodically protruding their snouts above the muck. These salamanders eat tiny clams, snails, aquatic earthworms, and a variety of arthropods.
Hooded Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia minor)
All seven of Georgia’s pitcher plants are state-protected. A carnivorous perennial herb, the hooded pitcher plant, like other pitcher plants, thrives in acidic soils of open bogs and sphagnum seeps of swamps. Reasons for decline of the hooded pitcher plant are fire suppression, and wetland draining, both resulting in habitat loss. Over collection has also resulted in a decline of the species.
The hooded pitcher plant is differentiated from other Sarracenia species by its translucent windows located near the apex. These windows aid the plant in trapping insects that have entered the plant. The insects are sometimes fooled into thinking the windows provide a safe exit from the plant, but rather encounter a translucent wall and fall back into the plant to be digested.
All seven of Georgia’s pitcher plants are state-protected. A carnivorous perennial herb, the hooded pitcher plant, like other pitcher plants, thrives in acidic soils of open bogs and sphagnum seeps of swamps. Reasons for decline of the hooded pitcher plant are fire suppression, and wetland draining, both resulting in habitat loss. Over collection has also resulted in a decline of the species.
The hooded pitcher plant is differentiated from other Sarracenia species by its translucent windows located near the apex. These windows aid the plant in trapping insects that have entered the plant. The insects are sometimes fooled into thinking the windows provide a safe exit from the plant, but rather encounter a translucent wall and fall back into the plant to be digested.
