Biology:Wainuia urnula

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Short description: Species of gastropod

Wainuia urnula
Wainuia urnula 174068140.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Order: Stylommatophora
Family: Rhytididae
Genus: Wainuia
Species:
W. urnula
Binomial name
Wainuia urnula
(Pfeiffer, 1855)

Wainuia urnula is a species of air-breathing predatory land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc in the family Rhytididae.

Distribution and Description

This species inhabits the North Island in New Zealand.[1] Species is distinctively colorful with a large reddish patch in the umbilicus with the foot being of maroon color. Shells are relatively small when compared to sub fossil shells of the native island.

Feeding habits

The diet of Wainuia urnula was found to contain amphipods (Parorchestia tenuis) in over 80% of snails sampled.[2]

Life cycle

Dimensions of a group of eggs of Wainuia urnula were: 5 × 4, 5 × 4, 5 × 4, 5 × 3.75, 4.5 × 3.5, 5.25 × 4.25 mm.[3]

References

  1. Powell A. W. B., New Zealand Mollusca, William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN:0-00-216906-1
  2. Efford M. G. 2000. Consumption of amphipods by the New Zealand landsnail Wainuia urnula (Pulmonata: Rhytididae). Journal of Molluscan Studies 66: 45–52. abstract
  3. 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.

Wikidata ☰ Q3075425 entry