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Orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile) with the conglutinates of Ouachita kidneyshell, (Ptychobranchus occidentalis). The kidneyshell conglutinate is one of the most sophisticated glochidia delivery devices known. The glochidia are enclosed in a membranous capsule that is marked to resemble host prey such as larval insects or larval fish and attract the host fish. An adhesive "tail" attaches the conglutinate to rocks or vegetation after release from the female mussel. When a fish bites the conglutinate it ruptures, releasing the glochidia, which attach to the gills of the fish.