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Wainuia urnula

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Wainuia urnula
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
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

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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

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

Life cycle

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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

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  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.