Amastra micans
Species of gastropod
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amastra micans, commonly known as the Amastrid land snail, is a species of land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Amastridae.[2][3][4] It is a critically endangered species and endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, mainly found in the Waianae Mountains of Oahu.[4][5]
| Amastra micans | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Order: | Stylommatophora |
| Family: | Amastridae |
| Genus: | Amastra |
| Species: | A. micans |
| Binomial name | |
| Amastra micans (L. Pfeiffer, 1859) | |
Description
Amastra micans is tiny to medium-sized, with their shell measuring an average of 15mm in height and 9mm in width.[6] The shell is elongated and conical in shape, coiled in a dextral (right-handed) spiral with a pointed apex. Their shell's surface is smooth and polished, with a wide range of colors and patterns, typically light brown to dark brown, with a white or cream-colored apex.[5][6]
Amastra micans feed on waste.[5]
Distribution and habitat
This species is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, being only found on the island of Oahu. They are particularly located in the Waianae Mountains.[4][5]
Amastra micans inhabit leaves and trees, notably the leaf litter of the native tree Pipturus albidus.[6]
Conservation status
Amastra micans is classified as critically imperiled and faces various threats to its survival, including habitat loss and predation.[4][5] However, they have been relocated to a protected habitat and now only live in the central Waianae range, following extensive efforts with the Hawaii State Division of Forestry and Wildlife and Bishop Museum.[5]
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