Schizoglossa, common name the Pāua slugs, is a genus of medium-sized to large predatory, air-breathing, land slugs, carnivorous terrestrial pulmonate gastropod molluscs in the family Rhytididae. They are currently classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as Nationally Vulnerable.[1]
The genus is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand (including the Great Barrier Island),
Species and subspecies within the genus Schizoglossa include:[2]
The shell is small, rudimentary, auriform (ear-shaped) and is situated far back on the animal. The shell is incapable of containing the body, and is reduced to the function of a shield for the lungs and heart. The shell is paucispiral, and is nacreous within. The columella is excavated into a pit for the reception of the shell-muscle.
The animal has no rachidian teeth.
Schizoglossa has eggs with a calcareous surface which lacks cuticle.[3]
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