Corbicula

In sexual species of Corbicula, the axis of the meiotic spindle orienting the duplicated maternal chromosomes is perpendicular to the plasma membrane of the zygote.

[10][9][11] Lack of clarity in their phylogeny may be due to being hermaphroditic androgens,[12][13] though no single species of Corbicula has been described as fully androgenetic.

[16][9] Corbicula clams are remarkably proficient invasive species, with native ranges spanning from Australia to Africa, but can now be found in most other continents.

[10] In North America, Corbicula may have initially invaded as a human food source,[17] though the origin of invasion in other continents has not been determined.

[22] Their high competitive ability is of concern, in part due to the already endangered status of many of the world’s mussel species.

[24][25] Though Corbicula are proficient competitors, they have a small number of lineages,[12] and have worldwide low genetic diversity, which is attributed to their reproductive capabilities.

[26] While this generally does not contribute to their success, phenotypic plasticity may buffer them from the effects of low genetic diversity,[10] though it is suggested that population bottlenecks may have occurred during their invasions.

[28][29] While some eradication methods work, such as deposition of dry ice pellets,[30] the use of a heat torch,[31] and temperature shock,[32] preventative measures are of utmost importance as invasives are often difficult to detect prior to establishment.