The yellow lance, scientific name Elliptio lanceolata, is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.

This species is endemic to the United States, where it occurs in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

It is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

The species is threatened by declines in water quality, loss of stream flow, riparian and instream habitat fragmentation, and deterioration of instream habitats.

These threats are exacerbated by urbanization and climate change.