Wainuia urnula explained

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]

Notes and References

1. [Arthur William Baden Powell|Powell A. W. B.]
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. [A. C. O'Connor|O'Connor A. C.]