On the So‐called Mantle Muscle Scars on Shells of the Margaritiferidae (Mollusca, Pelecypoda), with Observations on Mantle‐Shell Attachment in the Unionoida and Trigonioida

Abstract

Mantle attachment scars on the inner surface of shells of the Margaritiferidae have been traditionally regarded as sites of mantle muscle attachment; however, the actual occurrence of muscle tissue at points of attachment has never been verified. Mantle attachment scars occur on shells of seven examined species of margaritiferids. Gross and histological investigation of the mantle of five species reveals that mantle attachment involves modification of mantle epithelial cells and associated connective fibers within the mantle. The connective fibers within the mantle do not appear to have contractile properties, but along with the attachment cells probably provide support for the mantle. Mantle‐shell attachment scars similar to those of margaritiferids also occur in shells of recent trigonids, thus strengthening arguments for a phylogentic link between the Unionoida and Trigonioida.