What are quagga/zebra mussels?
Quagga and Zebra Mussels are invasive, non- native mollusks. Species Name Zebra Mussels, Dreissena polymorpha Quagga Mussels, Dreissena rostiformis bugensis Size – Microscopic to about two inches long Native to – Eurasia Introduction- by ballast water, discoved in 1988 (See Figure 1 to the right) Why should we be concerned about quagga/zebra mussels in Idaho? They reproduce quickly and in large numbers. Once established, eradication is extremely difficult though new technologies are becoming available. Their establishment in Idaho waters could result in an environmental and economic disaster. What is the environmental impacts? The quagga will upset the food chain by consuming phytoplankton that other species need to survive. They are filter feeders that consume large portions of the microscopic plants and animals that form the base of the food web. Their consumption of significant amounts of phytoplankton from the water decreases zooplankton and can cause a shift in native species and
