This piece was a commission for an Integrative Biologist in Texas to illustrate the unique egg dispersal behaviour of a group of freshwater mussels. Many species in the Unionidae family have evolved to enable egg dispersal beyond their immediate surroundings, while also protecting their young. The mussel’s modified mantel acts as a lure to larger fish by actively mimicking prey species, complete with wiggling tail, thus spreading potential offspring far beyond their more sedentary range. The image also conceptually highlights their research around the family's mitochondria and DNA.