Mautodontha maupiensis (Garrett)

Maupiti Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha maupiensis)

This species from the island of Maupiti was described in the year 1884. 

The shells reach an average size of 0,3 cm in diameter; they are light yellowish horn-colored with vague, somewhat regularly spaced, reddish flammulations. [2] 

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Andrew J. Garrett, the species’ author, writes in the year 1884.: 

Very common, and confined to the small island of Maupiti.” [1]

Thus, the Maupiti Disc Snail, of which today 21 museum specimens are still in existence, must still have been very common in the 19th century, but died out shortly after.

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References: 

[1] Andrew J. Garrett: The terrestrial Mollusca inhabiting the Society Islands”. Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 2nd series 9: 17-114. 1884 
[2] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976 

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; u.a.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 3, Helicidae Vol. 1. 1887’ 

(public domain)

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edited: 10.06.2012