2025 MURAL SPECIES!
snuffbox
Latin: Epioblasma triquetra
STATUS:
US STATUS: LE - Listed Endangered
MI STATUS: E - Endangered (Legally Protected)
ARTIST:
MARIELL GUZMAN
Mariell Guzman is a Mexican multidisciplinary artist based in Dallas, Texas. Drawing inspiration from nature and her bicultural upbringing, she creates vibrant and surrealistic playgrounds that reflect her exploration of identity and the challenge of adaptation. Her bold and colorful murals can be found throughout the United States and Mexico, and she has collaborated with renowned clients such as Meow Wolf, Pepsi, and American Express.
Find more of Mariell’s work here!
EDUCATOR:
GRAYSON KOSAK
Grayson Kosak is a dedicated steward and aquatic ecologist specializing in freshwater mussels, fish, habitat, and stream connectivity. Born and raised in west Michigan, Grayson is a graduate of GVSU and has devoted his life to the conservation, restoration, and enjoyment of the waters and lands of our pleasant peninsulas. Grayson conducted recent wide-spread surveys of freshwater mussel in the lower Grand River in 2023-2024, and has played crucial roles in many research and conservation projects in the Grand River, Muskegon River, White River, and Stony Creek watersheds. Grayson currently serves as project coordinator for the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly.
Visit our Snuffbox Mussel mural in downtown Grand Rapids at 56 Front Avenue NW!
Description:
The snuffbox is a medium sized (to 2 inches) mussel that is triangular in shape. Its shell is thick and yellowish on the outside with numerous, broken, dark green rays. Beak sculpture is double looped and the hinge teeth are elevated and compressed.
Habitat and Occurrence
If you’re looking to find a Snuffbox for yourself, check within the following ecosystems within the green counties on the map!
• Mainstem stream (3rd-4th order), riffle
• River (5th-6th order), riffle
All information on this page is generously provided by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI). For more information about Snuffbox Mussels - visit the species description here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/snuffbox. To learn more about Michigan’s biodiversity, ecological communities and natural heritage, visit mnfi.anr.msu.edu
get involved with snuffbox conservation!
While there are currently no Community Science projects specifically operating to benefit the preservation of Snuffbox in Michigan, there are many organizations who work to protect the habitats where it resides! Volunteer with some of these organizations and help protect the habitat that Snuffbox need in order to survive.
report an observation
MNFI stewards the Michigan Natural Heritage Database and track observations of some of Michigan’s rarest forms of life to fully understand the population and range of rare species to protect biodiversity in Michigan. If you have encountered a Snuffbox Mussel, you can share the location information with these trusted conservation professionals here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/report