Amastra variegata
Amastra variegata is a terrestrial snail species belonging to the family Amastridae.
| Amastra variegata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Order: | Stylommatophora |
| Family: | Amastridae |
| Genus: | Amastra |
| Species: | A. variegata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Amastra variegata (Pfeiffer, 1849)
| |
Description
The shell of Amastra variegata is reddish-brown with darker variegated bands, hence the specific epithet "variegata". Its body is translucent brown.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Amastra variegata is endemic to Oahu, Hawaii, found in the Wai‘anae Mountains. It was believed to be extinct until recently, when a population was rediscovered at the bottom of a steep gulch in northern Wai'anae.[1] This species is also one of the rarest mollusks in the world.[1]
Threats
Though this species is not federally or state listed as endangered but it is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN red list. [1] It is vulnerable and susceptible to predation by rats and chameleons.
Diet
Amastra variegata is a detritivore, feeding on dead and decaying native plants.[2]
References