PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Animal Classification:

Animal Group:

Animal Name Type:

Search Animals:

Scientific Name	Common Name	Global Rank	State Rank	Federal Status	WI Status	Animal Group

Rainbow Shell (Villosa iris)

State Status: END

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S1

Global Rank: G5

Wildlife Action Plan: SGCN

Photo by Kevin Cummings

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Rainbow Shell (Villosa iris), listed as Endangered in Wisconsin, is found in shallow, flowing, clean small streams with stable gravel substrate in the eastern part of the state. It has a very restricted geographical range in Wisconsin. Known host fishes include small- and largemouth basses, and rock bass.

Wildlife Action Plan

Associated Natural Communities and Ecological Landscapes

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Issues/Threats and Conservation Actions

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.

PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Rainbow Shell (Villosa iris)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

For more information, contact