Corbicula

 ( Cyrenidae ) 

Part of what contributes to its invasive success is its androgenetic reproductive strategy, wherein a single individual may be capable of creating an entire population, but beyond androgenesis, Corbicula owe their invasive potential to anthropogenic factors and their life history strategies. Corbicula have high reproductive capacities, which may be in part due to their ability to self-fertilize, and the high dispersal potential of their larvae. Corbicula are also phenotypically plastic, which may allow them to outcompete native mussels, and their occurrence at high densities may drive native mussel Glochidium mortality. Their high competitive ability is of concern, in part due to the already endangered status of many of the world’s mussel species.

Though Corbicula are proficient competitors, they have a small number of lineages, and have worldwide low genetic diversity, which is attributed to their reproductive capabilities. While this generally does not contribute to their success, phenotypic plasticity may buffer them from the effects of low genetic diversity, though it is suggested that population bottlenecks may have occurred during their invasions. Despite the potential for population bottlenecks, there is a need for better control methods, as active spread has occurred. While some eradication methods work, such as deposition of dry ice pellets, the use of a heat torch, and temperature shock, preventative measures are of utmost importance as invasives are often difficult to detect prior to establishment.