Powelliphanta superba

Taxobox
name = "Powelliphanta superba"


image_caption = A "Powelliphanta" of unknown species.
image_width = 250
status = EN
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Gastropoda
ordo = Pulmonata
familia = Rhytididae
genus = "Powelliphanta"
species = "P. superba"
binomial = "Powelliphanta superba"
binomial_authority =

"Powelliphanta superba", known as one of the amber snails, is a species of large, carnivorous land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc in the family Rhytididae.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. There are five subspecies:

* "Powelliphanta superba harveyi"
* "Powelliphanta superba mouatae"
* "Powelliphanta superba prouseorum"
* "Powelliphanta superba richardsoni"
* "Powelliphanta superba superba"

Conservation status

All subspecies are classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as being "Nationally Endangered".

References

* Powell A. W. B., "New Zealand Mollusca", William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
* [http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/MultipageDocumentPage.aspx?id=39593 New Zealand Department of Conservation Threatened Species Classification]