[1][2] All Unionidae are known to use the gills, fins, or skin of a host fish for nutrients during the larval glochidia stage.

They also mimic crayfish behavior, moving the papillae independently like legs, and use "tail tucking" motions.

[3] Juvenile mussels bury in the sediment just below its surface, and feed on interstitial bacteria and bacterial-sized particles including algae.

[4] This species is widely distributed throughout the St. Lawrence, upper Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland River Basins.

[5] Villosa iris is the focus of conservation concern in areas like Ontario, Illinois, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.