Powelliphanta rossiana, subspecies "Fox"

Taxobox
name = "Powelliphanta rossiana "Fox"


image_caption = A "Powelliphanta" of unknown species.
status =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Gastropoda
ordo = Pulmonata
familia = Rhytididae
genus = "Powelliphanta"
species = "P. rossiana"
subspecies = "P. rossiana "Fox""
binomial = "Powelliphanta rossiana "Fox"
binomial_authority = not yet described

"Powelliphanta rossiana", subspecies "Fox" , known as one of the amber snails, is an as yet unnamed subspecies of large, carnivorous land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc in the family Rhytididae.

Distribution

This unnamed subspecies is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found only around the Fox Glacier in Westland.

Habitat

Its habitat is under the skirts of tussock and mountain flax, in dense subalpine scrub at altitudes of between 850 and 1,300 m above sea level. The humidity is high, with frequent mist, cloud and rain on the mountain tops.

hell description

The shell is thin, glossy, and dark olive-green, with very sparse black axial streaks. The umbilicus is much wider than in typical "Powelliphanta rossiana".

Conservation status

"Powelliphanta rossiana "Fox" does not appear to be under immediate predator threat. Habitat loss and other human activity, such as the building of communication towers, are potential threats. Major diameter is up to 39 mm, and height 21 mm.

"Powelliphanta rossiana "Fox" is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as "Range Restricted".

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/upload/documents/science-and-technical/tsrp49b.pdf Department of Conservation Recovery Plans]
* [http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/MultipageDocumentPage.aspx?id=39593 New Zealand Department of Conservation Threatened Species Classification]