Powelliphanta "vittatus"
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| Powelliphanta "vittatus" | ||||||||||||||
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 A Powelliphanta of unknown species.
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Powelliphanta "vittatus", known as one of the amber snails, is an as yet unnamed species of large, carnivorous land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc in the family Rhytididae.
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[edit] Distribution
This undescribed species is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found only in the area between Jackson Bay and the mouth of Milford Sound in south Westland, and was only discovered in 1974.
[edit] Habitat
Its habitat is under crown fern in southern rātā and kamahi forest, and under shield fern fronds in silver beech forest, at altitudes anywhere from 50 to 1,400 m above sea level.
[edit] Shell description
The globose shell is narrowly umbilicated with an exerted spire. The shell colour is old gold, overlain on the dorsal surface with a faint reddish sheen, and with many dark brown to black irregular axial bands, particularly obvious on the base. It is finely sculptured from the periphery to the apex, giving the top half of the shell a dull, matt appearance. The temporary name tag "vittatus" refers to the distinctive longitudinal stripes, which distinguishes this species from other southern Powelliphanta snails.
The shell diameter is up to 35 mm, and height up to 18 mm.
[edit] Predators
Powelliphanta "vittatus" is preyed upon by introduced thrushes. Introduced deer do not actually eat the snail, but are responsible for killing individual snails by stepping on and crushing them.
[edit] Conservation status
Powelliphanta "vittatus" is classified as Range Restricted by the New Zealand Threat Classification System.
[edit] References
- Powell A W B, New Zealand Mollusca, William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
- New Zealand Department of Conservation Threatened Species Classification
- Department of Conservation Recovery Plans
