A mussel species indigenous to the Ukraine has been discovered in the U.K. for the first time and poses great potential risk to the latter's water supply. It also threatens to disrupt biodiversity and wildlife in the U.K.

Called the Quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), this species has the same physical attributes as the U.K. native zebra mussel, Quagga mussels were spotted at the Wraysbury water reservoir near Heathrow Airport.

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It's still unclear how the Quagga reached the Wraysbury reservoir but its ominous presence can spell inevitable disaster for London's waterways if immediate action isn't taken.

Quagga cluster together in massive colonies that can block sewer pipe systems, eventually leading to flooding. When the mussels establish themselves in a location, it becomes extremely difficult to eliminate them, says the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT).

One Quagga mussel can live up to five years. In this span, it can produce five million eggs, of which 100,000 will become adult mussels. One Quagga can potentially produce 500 million offspring.

In the Great Lakes in the U.S., it's estimated that Quagga populations number around 10 trillion. This species subsist on plankton, the major food source for fish native to the Great Lakes. Because of the Quagga's voracious appetite for plankton, there have been alarming fish die-offs in the Great Lakes.

The Center for Ecology and Hydrology had anticipated the arrival of the invasive Quagga, predicting its in the U.K. within five years. The center also declared this species is the top most threat to the country's natural environment and biodiversity.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs also believes it is pivotal to take immediate action to confront these threats by the invasive Quagga, which isn't indigenous to the country.

Local authorities, especially those that frequently use waterways, were advised to check their equipment and to keep them clean and dry.

Tagsinvasive mussel quagga mussel UK, quagga mussel, UK, heathrow airport, Invasive Alien Quagga Mussels Threaten UK Wildlife and Biodiversity