Invasion Genomics: Quagga Mussel

Tracing the global and regional spread of the Quagga mussel using whole-genome sequencing of 640+ individuals across Europe and North America.

Overview

Where did the Quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) come from, and how did it reach Swiss lakes so quickly? This project uses whole-genome sequencing to trace the invasion history of this species across two continents, from its native Ponto-Caspian range to established populations in Western Europe and North America.

Sampling Design

Over 640 individuals were sampled from populations across:

  • Europe: Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Austria, Ukraine, UK
  • North America: Great Lakes region, western United States

This is one of the largest genomic datasets assembled for this species to date.

Key Questions

  • What are the source populations for Western European invasions?
  • Did Switzerland receive the Quagga mussel from a single introduction event, or multiple?
  • How connected are Swiss lakes to each other and to broader European invasion corridors?
  • What role do shipping routes and interlake connectivity play in facilitating spread?

Preliminary Findings

Preliminary results reveal distinct genetic clusters across the sampled range and evidence for multiple independent introduction events into Switzerland. This raises important questions about the role of shipping corridors and interlake connectivity in facilitating the mussel’s rapid westward spread.

A manuscript is in preparation.

Further Reading

Marescaux, J., Von Oheimb, K.C.M., Geismar, J., Hyde, C., Dijkstra, K.-D.B., Wolff, C., Van Doninck, K. & Vanheusden, B. (2016). Unravelling the invasion pathways of the quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis) into Western Europe. Biological Invasions, 18, 245–264. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-015-1005-1