A new genus and two new species of freshwater mussel Unioninae (Bivalvia: Unionida) endemic to Yunnan of SW China

The ancient plateau lakes of Yunnan have long been known for their high diversity of mollusks. However, in recent times, human-induced pollution and habitat destruction have led to a severe decline in the diversity of Unionidae species. Since 2000, no living native Unionidae species have been discovered. This study, based on previous research records, conducted a comprehensive survey of the Unionidae species in the ancient plateau lakes of Yunnan. Only one living native freshwater mussel, Mimo guoliangi gen. nov. sp. nov., was found. Molecular analysis using mitochondrial, nuclear gene fragments (COI and 28S) and mitochondrial genome confirmed the species’ validity. Additionally, through morphological descriptions, this study identifies a possibly extinct species from Lake Fuxian: Mimo jiaoyue gen. nov. sp. nov.