Biology:Schizoglossa

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Short description: Genus of gastropods

Schizoglossa
Schizoglossa novoseelandica.jpg
Drawing of dorsal view of alcohol-preserved specimen of Schizoglossa novoseelandica.
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Order: Stylommatophora
Family: Rhytididae
Subfamily: Rhytidinae
Genus: Schizoglossa
Hedley, 1893[1]
Species

See text

Schizoglossa, common name the Pāua slugs, is a genus of medium-sized to large predatory, air-breathing, land slugs, carnivorous terrestrial pulmonate gastropod molluscs in the family Rhytididae. They are currently classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as Nationally Vulnerable.[2]

Distribution

The genus is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand (including the Great Barrier Island),

Species and subspecies

Species and subspecies within the genus Schizoglossa include:[3]

Description

The shell is small, rudimentary, auriform (ear-shaped) and is situated far back on the animal. The shell is incapable of containing the body, and is reduced to the function of a shield for the lungs and heart. The shell is paucispiral, and is nacreous within. The columella is excavated into a pit for the reception of the shell-muscle.[1]

The animal has no rachidian teeth.[1]

Ecology

Schizoglossa has eggs with a calcareous surface which lacks cuticle.[4]

References

This article incorporates public domain text from reference.[1]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Hedley C. (16 March 1893) "Schizoglossa: a new genus of carnivorous snails". Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 7(III): 387-392. Linnean Society of New South Wales. Plate IX-X.
  2. Mahlfeld, K.; Brook, F. J.; Roscoe, D. J.; Hitchmough, R. A.; Stringer, I. A.N. (2012). "The conservation status of New Zealand terrestrial Gastropoda excluding Powelliphanta" (in en). New Zealand Entomologist 35 (2): 103–109. doi:10.1080/00779962.2012.686313. ISSN 0077-9962. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00779962.2012.686313. 
  3. New Zealand Mollusca
  4. O'Connor A. C. (June) 1945. Notes on the Eggs of New Zealand Paryphantidae, With Description of a New Subgenus. Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand, volume 5, 1945-46, pages 54-57.

Further reading

  • Powell A. W. B. (1949) "The Paryphantidae of New Zealand. No. VI. Distribution, hybrids and new species of Paryphanta, Rhytida and Schizoglossa". Records of the Auckland Institute and Museum 3: 347-367.

Wikidata ☰ Q3074212 entry