Tag Archives: Charopidae

Helenoconcha perarmata (Smith)

Well-armed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha perarmata)

The Well-armed Saint Helena Snail was described in 1893; it was restricted to the island of Saint Helena, where it was found on Diana’s Peak, the island’s highest mountain.

The species is apparently known from only two specimens, which differ from each other in the height of their spire; they reach sizes of about 0,3 cm in diameter. [1]

***

This form might be identical with the Six-toothed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha sexdentata (Smith)), with which it was described.

As mentioned under that species, the Saint Helena Gastropoda species are in urgent need of a proper revision!

***

syn. Patula perarmata Smith

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Depiction from: ‘Edgar A. Smith: Descriptions of two new species of Patula from St. Helena. The Conchologist 2(7): 164-165. 1893’

(public domain)

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References:

Edgar A. Smith: Descriptions of two new species of Patula from St. Helena. The Conchologist 2(7): 164-165. 1893

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edited: 30.05.2021

Trachycystis rariplicata (Pfeiffer)

Greenpoint Snail (Trachycystis rariplicata)

The Greenpoint Snail, described in 1849, is known exclusively from Green Point, today a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa.

This species is now extinct, and its extinction is sometimes attributed to the introduction of an invasive Mediterranean snail species, the Mediterranean Coastal Snail (Theba pisana (Müller)), which is now very abundant in that region. However, the true reasons for its disappearance are rather found in the massive habitat destruction by swamp drainage, building of sports fields, houses and other extensive transformations.

***

syn. Helix rariplicata Pfeiffer, Pella rariplicata (Pfeiffer)

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edited: 22.08.2022

Sinployea sp. ‘Bora Bora’

Bora Bora Sinployea Snail (Sinployea sp.)

This species, which has not been described so far, is known on the basis of a single subadult specimen that was found on the slopes of a mountain ridge on the island of Bora Bora, Society Islands.

This form might well be extinct now.

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References:

[1] Justin Gerlach: Land and Freshwater Snails of Tahiti and the other Society Islands. Phelsuma Press, Cambridge 2017

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edited: 02.08.2022

Sinployea titikaveka Brook

Titikaveka Sinployea Snail (Sinployea titikaveka)

The Titikaveka Sinployea Snail was described in 2010; it is known only from subfossil shells that were recovered from deposits near the southern coast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

The shells reach sizes of only up to 0,16 cm in diameter.

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References:

[1] Fred J. Brook: Coastal landsnail fauna of Rarotonga, Cook Islands: systematics, diversity, biogeography, faunal history, and environmental influences. Tuhinga 21: 161-252. 2010

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edited: 02.08.2022

Helenoconcha minutissima (Smith)

Dwarf Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha minutissima)

The Dwarf Saint Helena Snail was described in 1892 on the basis of subfossil shells that were found at Sugarloaf Ridge on the island of Saint Helena.

The following text is a sentence from the species’ description.:

“This species is smaller than P. polyodon, more narrowly umbilicated, has fewer whorls, coarser and more remote striae, and a different armature within the aperture. In full-grown shells there are as many as six parietal lirae, as it were, in two groups of three. They are very fine and extend a long way within. The plicae within the outer lip var apparently from seven to eight to ten or eleven, and some of them are more prominent than others. The red markings take the form of radiating blotches on the upper surface, and more undulating or zigzag streaks beneath.” [2]

***

syn. Patula minutissima Smith

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 8, Helicidae Vol. 6. 1892’

(public domain)

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1892: 258-270

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edited: 29.05.2021

Lauopa mbalavuana Solem

Lauopa Snail (Lauopa mbalavuana)

This species, the only one in its genus, was described in 1983 based on material that had been collected in 1938 under logs and stones in a dense forest on a limestone hill on the island of Vanua Balavu, Fiji.

As far as I know only two specimens were ever found and both of them appeared to have rather been in a subfossil state; this species almost certainly is extinct. [1]

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References:

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edited: 21.08.2022

Sinployea planospira (Garrett)

Plane-spired Sinployea Snail (Sinployea planospira)

This species was described in 1881; it was restricted to the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

The shells reach sizes of 0,34 to 0,43 cm in diameter.

The species is now extinct.

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References:

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edited: 02.08.2022

Helenoconcha polyodon (Sowerby)

Many-toothed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha polyodon)

The Many-toothed Saint Helena Snail was described in 1844 based on subfossil shells that were collected from a place named Sugarloaf Quarry on the island of Saint Helena.

The species’ author gives some information about the form of the shells.:

“This is the most widely umbilicated of all the species of Patula from St. Helena, and this feature alone is sufficient to distinguish it from the rest. The whorls also, in adult shells eight to nine in number, enlarge very slowly. The striae are fine, regular, arcuately oblique above, and slightly wavy on the last whorl. There are three parietal lirae extending far within the aperture, of which the upper and lower are nearly always double. The plicae within the outer lip are almost invariably (in adult shells) seven in number, subequidistant, but not of equal thickness, two or three towards the columella being stouter than the rest, which are slender and extend some distance within.” [1]

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1892: 258-270

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon; H. A. Pilsbry; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 8, Helicidae Vol. 6. 1892’

(public domain)

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edited: 29.05.2021

Damonita geminoropiformis Climo

Elliot’s Cave Snail (Damonita geminoropiformis)

This tiny snail species was described in 1981, it was originally known from only two specimens that were recovered from the deposits of Elliots Cave as well as ten that were found in the Ngarua Cave in the Takaka Valley.

Some 103 specimens were subsequently recovered from the Hawke’s Cave in the 1990s; these deposits are dated to Otiran age (Late Pleistocene); however, it might have survived until the beginning of the Holocene and is thus mentioned here as well.

The shells reach a size of about 0,3 cm in diameter and are highly furrowed.

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References:

[1] T. H. Worthy; R. N. Holdaway: Quaternary fossil faunas from caves in Takaha Valley and on Takaka Hill, northwest Nelson, South Island, New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 24(3): 297-391. 1994

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Photo: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/154902

(under creative commons license (4.0))
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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edited: 15.05.2021

Sinployea peasei Solem

Pease’s Sinployea Snail (Sinployea peasei)

Pease’s Sinployea Snail was described in 1983; it is known from the slopes of Mt. Maungaroa and several other mountainous areas on the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, it was formerly quite common and widespread.

The shells reached sizes of 0,29 to about 0,4 cm in diameter.

The species is now extinct.

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References:

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edited: 02.08.2022

Taipidon anceyana (Garrett)

Ancey’s Taipidon Snail (Taipidon anceyana)

Ancey’s Taipidon Snail was endemic to the island of Hiva Oa, Marquesas, it was described in 1887 when the species apparently was still alive, the author gives some slight information about it.:

“Sa grande taille, son large ombilic, ses grandes lamelles aperturales blanches et bien visibles, empêcheront de confondre cette Espèce avec ses congénerès.“

translation:

“Its large size, its large umbilicus, and its large, white apertural lamellae, well visible, will prevent this species from being confused with its congeners.“

***

Ancey’s Taipidon Snail was apparently a lowland species and might already have been extinct at the time of its discovery.

As far as I know, only three specimens of the species remain today with the holotype reaching a heigth of 0,23 cm and 0,5 cm in diameter, it is furthermore light yellow-brown and decorated with irregular, reddish flammulations.

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References:

[1] Andrew Garrett: Mollusques terrestres des Iles Marquises (Polynésie). Bulletins de la Société malacologique de France 4: 1-48. 1887
[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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edited: 20.04.2019

Sinployea youngi (Garrett)

Young’s Sinployea Snail (Sinployea youngi)

This species was described in 1872; it was endemic to a single (unknown) valley on the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands and was described by its author as: “A somewhat rare species, easily known by its wide open umbilicus, few whorls, deep uniform brown color, and plicate striae. On the ground in damp woods, and only noticed in a single valley.“. [1]

The shells reach sizes of about 0,49 cm in diameter; they are: “Widely, perspectively umbilicated, thin, shining, subpellucid, uniform dark brown, closely, obliquely, arcuately, plicately striate, more slightly below, suture channeled; whorls 4 1/2, convex, rapidly increasing, the last deflected above, convex below.” [2]

The species is now extinct.

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References:

[1] Andrew J. Garrett: Descriptions of new species of land and fresh-water shells. American Journal of Conchology 7: 219-230. 1872
[2] G. W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a. o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 3, Helicidae Vol. 1. 1887
[3] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part II, Families Punctidae and Charopidae, Zoogeography. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1983

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

(not in copyright)

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edited: 02.08.2022

Lagivala davidi (Ladd)

David’s Lagivala Snail (Lagivala davidi)

David’s Lagivala Snail was described 1968, the species is known from the type specimen and one additional specimen which now is lost, both had been recovered by deep boring into the sediments of the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. [1]

This species most likely disappeared at the end of the Pleistocene era, when the sea level was rising globally, or may even be older than that and is mentioned here only for the sake of completeness.

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part II, Families Punctidae and Charopidae, Zoogeography. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1983

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edited: 16.09.2019

Sinployea harveyensis (Garrett)

Harvey’s Sinployea Snail (Sinployea harveyensis)

Harvey’s Sinployea Snail was described in 1872; it was endemic to the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, where it was considered: “A common species found under rotten wood.“. [1]The shells reached sizes of 0,39 to about 0,52 cm in diameter; they are: “Moderately, deeply umbilicated, thin, subpellucid, greenish ash color, arcuately tessellated with chestnut, densely finely plicate-striate, striae oblique, sinuous, less distinct on the base, suture channeled; whorls 5, slowly increasing, the last obtusely angulated, deflected above, convex below.“. [2]

The species is now extinct.

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References:

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

(not in copyright)

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edited: 02.08.2022

Sinployea clista Solem

Closed Sinployea Snail (Sinployea clista)

This species was described in the year 1983.

The ‘species’ occurs on the islands of Tutuila and ‘Upolu, the respective populations, however, differ from each other, and with certainty represent at least distinct subspecies, or possibly even species.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,21 to 0,29 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The population of the island of ‘Upolu was not found again during field searches in the years from 1992 to 1994, and is now most probably wiped out. [2]

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part II, Families Punctidae and Charopidae, Zoogeography. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1983
[2] Robert H. Cowie; A. C. Robinson: The decline of native Pacific island faunas: changes in status of the land snails of Samoa through the 20th century. Biological Conservation 110: 55-65. 2003

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edited: 23.08.2017

Sinployea tenuicostata (Garrett)

Weak-grooved Sinployea Snail (Sinployea tenuicostata)

This species was described in 1872; it is endemic to the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands; it was originally described by its author as: “A very pretty and somewhat rare species, having a wide range on the island, and generally found on the ground on the sides of ravines” [1]

The shells reach average sizes of about 0,45 cm; they are: “Perspectively umbilicated, thin, pellucid, a little shining, light corneous, not variegated, laminately costate, the ribs thin, rather close, oblique, slightly sinuous, continued on the base, interstices lightly, closely striate, suture deep; whorls 4, plano-convex, rapidly enlarging, base convex.” [2]

The species is now extinct.

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References:

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

(not in copyright)

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edited: 02.08.2022

Hirasiella clara Pilsbry

Clara’s Hirasiella Snail (Hirasiella clara)

Clara’s Hirasiella Snail was described in 1902; it is, or maybe was, endemic to the island of Chichijima in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,3 cm in height; “Shell sub-perforate, glossy and smooth, yellowish, elevated with convex outlines, bullet-shaped, the periphery rounded, base very convex.” [1]

The species is now possibly extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] H. A. Pilsbry: Notices of new land shells of the Japanese Empire. Nautilus 15: 141-142. 1902
[2] Robert H. Cowie; Claire Régnier; Benoît Fontaine; Philippe Bouchet. Measuring the Sixth Extinction: what do mollusks tell us? The Nautilus 131(1): 3-41. 2017

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Depiction from: ‘Henry August Pilsbry: Papers on Mollusca of Japan. Philadelphia 1901-12’

(not in copyright)

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edited: 17.05.2022

Helenoconcha pseustes (Smith)

Untrue Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha pseustes)

This species was described in 1892 on the basis of subfossil shells that were found on Flagstaff Hill, a mountain on the island of Saint Helena.

The following sentence is a part of its description.:

“This species has the spire more elevated and conical than the other species of Patula from the island. P. cutteri, Pfr., may approach it somewhat, but that species is said to have only two parietal lamellae, and two basal denticles near the columella. The present species has an additional basal denticle, and a prominent this palatal lamella, which falls as it were between the two on the inner or parietal side of the aperture.” [1]

***

syn. Patula pseustes Smith

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1892: 258-270

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edited: 29.05.2021

Helenodiscus vernoni (Smith)

Wollaston’s Saint Helena Discus Snail (Helenodiscus vernoni)

Wollaston’s Saint Helena Discus Snail was described in the year 1892 on the basis of subfossil shells, which were found at the so called Side Path, a steep mountain pass, that connects the two villages of Briars Village and Jamestown in the north east part of the island of Saint Helena.

The shells of this species reached an average size of about 1,2 cm.

The species died out sometimes after the beginning of the permanent European settlement of the island in the 16.th century.

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edited: 21.03.2018

Sinployea aunuuana Solem

Aunuu Sinployea Snail (Sinployea aunuuana)

This species, which is restricted to the small island of ‘Aunu’u offshore Tutuila’s east coast in the American part of Samoa, was described in the year 1983.

The shell reaches an average size of 0,28 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The island of ‘Aunu’u was investigated in intensive field studies in the year 2001, when the island was found to be infested with two alien snail species: the Two-toned Gulella (Huttonella bicolor (Hutton)), and the West African Streptostele Snail (Streptostele musaecola (Morelet)); both are known to be invasive, mainly snail-eating species, and both are found on many Pacific islands now.

The Aunuu Sinployea Snail was not found in 2001, and is now considered most likely extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part II, Families Punctidae and Charopidae, Zoogeography. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1983
[2] Robert H. Cowie; Rebecca J. Rundell: The Land Snails of a small tropical island, Aunu’u, American Samoa. Pacific Science 56(2): 143-147. 2002

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edited: 21.04.2019

Zelandiscus worthyi Climo

Worthy’s Disc Snail (Zelandiscus worthyi)

This species was described in the year 1989.

Worthy’s Disc Snail is known only on the base of empty shells, which had been found on the floor of the Aurora cave near the city of Te Anau in the south of New Zealand’s South Island.

The shells reach an average size of about 0,45 cm and are uniformly grey in color. [1][2]

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References:

[1] F. M. Climo: The panbiogeography of New Zealand as illuminated by the genus Fectola Iredale, 1915 and subfamily Rotadiscinae Pilsbry, 1927 (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Punctoidea: Charopidae). New Zealand Journal of Zoology 16(4): 587-649. 1989
[2] M. J. Heads; R. C. Craw; J. R. Grehan: Panbiogeography: Tracking the History of Life: Tracking the History of Life. Oxford University Press, USA 1999

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edited: 04.11.2020

Sinployea proxima (Garrett)

Rarotongan Sinployea Snail (Sinployea proxima)

This species was described in 1872; it was endemic to the island of Rarotonga,Cook Islands, where it apparently was quite common and widespread; A. J. Garrett, the author of the species, gave the following information about it.:

“A common species lurking under stones and among rotten wood. It was found in several villages.” [1]

***

The shells reach an average size of about 0,35 cm in diameter.

The Rarotongan Sinployea Snail was not recorded since the mid-1800s and thus is considered extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] Andrew J. Garrett: Descriptions of new species of land and fresh-water shells. American Journal of Conchology 7: 219-230. 1872
[2] Fred J. Brook: Coastal landsnail fauna of Rarotonga, Cook Islands: systematics, diversity, biogeography, faunal history, and environmental influences. Tuhinga 21: 161-252. 2010

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

(not in copyright)

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edited: 02.08.2022

Sinployea muri Brook

Muri Sinployea Snail (Sinployea muri)

This species was described in 2010; it is known only from subfossil shells that were recovered from the coastal plain near Muri on the eastern coast of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

The shells were very small, reaching sizes of only up to 0,26 cm in diameter.

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References:

[1] Fred J. Brook: Coastal landsnail fauna of Rarotonga, Cook Islands: systematics, diversity, biogeography, faunal history, and environmental influences. Tuhinga 21: 161-252. 2010

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edited: 02.08.2022

Sinployea otareae (Garrett)

Otarea Sinployea Snail (Sinployea otareae)

The Otarea Sinployea Snail was described in 1872; the species was endemic to the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

“This species is confined to a single valley, where I found it abundantly, under dead wood on the banks of a stream. Living examples are uniform deep black.“. [1]

The shells reached sizes of up to 0,52 cm in diameter. [2]

The species is now clearly extinct.

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References:

[1] Andrew J. Garrett: Descriptions of new species of land and fresh-water shells. American Journal of Conchology 7: 219-230. 1872
[2] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part II, Families Punctidae and Charopidae, Zoogeography. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1983

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

(not in copyright)

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edited: 02.08.2022

Sinployea complementaria (Mousson)

Complementary Sinployea Snail (Sinployea complementaria)

This species was described in 1865; it was restricted to the island of ‘Upolu, Samoa.

The shells reach sizes of 0,43 to 0,59 cm in diameter, making it one of the largest members of its genus; they are: “Rather narrowly umbilicated, rugose, striate-costulate, with curved-back radiations of white and grayish corneous, suture subimpressed; whorls 5, slowly increasing, the last not descending, oblique, obtusely subangulated, flatly rounded below; right margin of peristome subincurved.” [1]

The species wasn’t found during recent surveys and might well be extinct.

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References:

[1] G. W. Tryon; Henry A. Pilsbry; a. o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 3, Helicidae Vol. 1. 1887
[2] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part II, Families Punctidae and Charopidae, Zoogeography. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1983

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

(not in copyright)

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edited: 02.08.2022

Helenoconcha leptalea (Smith)

Slender Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha leptalea)

The Slender Saint Helena Snail was described in 1892, apparently on the basis of subfossil shells that were recovered from the so-called Sugarloaf Quarry on the island of Saint Helena.

The shells of this species are much smaller than those of the closely related Many-toothed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha polyodon (Sowerby)); they were flatter, much more finely striated and differed furthermore by their oral armature. [1]

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References:

[1] Edgar A. Smith: On the land-shells of St. Helena. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1892: 258-270

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edited: 29.05.2021

Sinployea tupapa Brook

Tupapa Sinployea Snail (Sinployea tupapa)

The Tupapa Sinployea Snail was described in 2010 based on subfossil shells that had been found at Matavera, Pue, and Tupapa on the northeastern coast of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

The species differs from other species of similar small size by its widely open umbilicus, the shells reach an average size of about 0,19 to 0,22 cm in diameter.

The species is now extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Fred J. Brook: Coastal landsnail fauna of Rarotonga, Cook Islands: systematics, diversity, biogeography, faunal history, and environmental influences. Tuhinga 21: 161-252. 2010

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edited: 11.06.2020

Sinployea rotumana (E. A. Sm.)

Rotuman Sinployea Snail (Sinployea rotumana)

This species was described in 1897; it is endemic to the island of Rotuma (apparently including some of the smaller offshore islets) north of the Fijian Islands, as far as I know it is known from seven or eight specimens only.

The Rotuman Sinployea Snail inhabited the leaf litter on the forest floors.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,26 to 0,33 cm in diameter.

***

The island’s snail fauna was surveyed in 1938 when a single empty shell was recovered; none was found in the next survey in 2012, it is clearly extinct today. [1][2]

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part II, Families Punctidae and Charopidae, Zoogeography. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1983
[2] Gilianne Brodie; Gary M. Bakker; Froseann Stevens; Monifa Fiu: Preliminary re-survey of the land snail fauna of Rotuma: conservation and biosecurity implications. Pacific Conservation Biology 20(1): 94-107. 2014

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edited: 02.08.2022

Helenodiscus bilamellata (Sowerby)

Saint Helena Diskus Snail (Helenodiscus bilamellata)

The Saint Helena Diskus Snail was described on the basis of subfossil shells, that were found on the island of Saint Helena, these shells were found among the remains of several other snail species, all of which are now extinct.

The shells of this species reached an average size of 0,8 cm in diameter.

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edited: 21.03.2018

Taipidon octolamellata (Garrett)

Eight-grooved Taipidon Snail (Taipidon octolamellata)

The Eight-grooved Taipidon Snail was endemic to the island of Hiva Oa, Marquesas, it was described in 1887 when the species apparently was still alive, the author gives some hint of information about it.:

“Quelques individus ont été trouvés a l’île Dominique, sous du bois pourri. C’est la proche parente de l’Espèce qui précède, mais elle est plus variée de brun, les plis sont plus distants, et elle possède en outre une lamelle palatale en plus.“

translation:

“ Some individuals were found on Dominica Island [Hiva Oa] under rotten wood. It is the close relative of the above species [Taipidon woapoensis (Garrett)], but it is more variegated with brown, the folds are more distant, and it has moreover a palatal lamella in addition.” [1][2]

***

The species obviously died out shortly after and to my knowlegde only a single specimen is remaining today, a small shell of about 0,4 cm diameter.

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References:

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edited: 20.04.2019

Opanara caliculata Solem

Mt. Perahu Opanara Snail (Opanara caliculata)

This species was described in 1976 based on several specimens that were collected in 1934; it was inhabiting the native vegetation on the western ridge of Mt. Perahu on the island of Rapa, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,3 to 0,34 cm in diameter.

This species might now be extinct, it has not been recorded during recent field studies.

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edited: 14.08.2022

Helenoconcha sexdentata (Smith)

Six-toothed Saint Helena Snail (Helenoconcha sexdentata)

The Six-toothed Saint Helena Snail was described in 1893, as its name implies, it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of saint Helena.

“This species agrees rather closely with P. pseustes, Smith, in respect of the dentition of the aperture. The palatal lamella, however, in that species is considerably stronger, and the form of the shell is very different. P. cutteri has two similar parietal lamellae, only two basal denticles, and no palatal lamella. In other respects it appears to be very similar, but a trifle larger. Watercresses (Nasturtium officinale) among which it is stated by M. Eudel [M. Emile Eudel, the collector of this species] that this species occurs, are said to be “very common in the ravines and along the mountain streams and ponds.”.” [1]

The shells reach sizes of about 0,3 cm in diameter.

***

The Six-toothed Saint Helena Snail was apparently still found alive when it was described; it is nevertheless now considered extinct. [1]

***

The species of this genus, as well as basically all of the Saint Helena Gastropoda species, are in urgent need of a proper revision!

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References:

Edgar A. Smith: Descriptions of two new species of Patula from St. Helena. The Conchologist 2(7): 164-165. 1893

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edited: 29.05.2021

Taipidon marquesana (Garrett)

Marquesan Taipidon Snail (Taipidon marquesana)

The Marquesan Taipidon Snail was endemic to the island of Nuku Hiva, Marquesas, it was described in 1887 when the species apparently was still alive, the author gives some very slight information about it.:

“Plusieurs exemplaires ont été récoltés sous du bois pourri, dans un ravin d’une montagne élevée.“

translation:

“Several examples were harvested under rotten wood in a ravine on a high mountain.” [1]

***

The shells are rather small, they reach sizes of about 0.17 cm in heigth and 0.38 cm in diameter.

As far as I know, only 12 specimens of this species are left today. [2]

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References:

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edited: 20.04.2019

Sinployea rudis (Garrett)

Rough Sinployea Snail (Sinployea rudis)

This species, which was endemic to Rarotonga, Cook Islands, was discovered in 1869 and described three years later, in 1872.

A. J. Garrett, the author of the species, gave the following information about it.:

“A common species of a very rude aspect, easily distinguished by its rude, irregular lamellar ribs. We found examples in several different villages; all found on the ground in damp woods.” [1]

***

The species is also known from subfossil shells that were commonly found in coastal deposits in northern, southeastern, and southern Rarotonga.

The shells of this species reached an average size of about 0,35 to 0,48 cm in diameter, with the subfossil shells being generally smaller than those found alive in the 19th century.

The Rough Sinployea Snail was not found during the next field studies in the 1920s, it obviously disappeared shortly after the date of its discovery. [2]

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References:

[1] Andrew J. Garrett: Descriptions of new species of land and fresh-water shells. American Journal of Conchology 7: 219-230. 1872
[2] Fred J. Brook: Coastal landsnail fauna of Rarotonga, Cook Islands: systematics, diversity, biogeography, faunal history, and environmental influences. Tuhinga 21: 161-252. 2010

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Depiction from: ‘G. W. Tryon: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 3, Helicidae Vol. 1. 1887’

(not in copyright)

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edited: 19.03.2017

Sinployea decorticata (Garrett)

Decorticated Sinployea Snail (Sinployea decorticata)

This species was described in 1872; it was endemic to the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands and was considered: “A common species found on the ground in a mountain ravine.“. [1]

The shells reach sizes of 0,37 to 0,51 cm in diameter; they are: “Moderatley, deeply umbilicated, thin, subpellucid, ash-colored under a brownish corneous epidermis, decorticated in adults, rarely strigated with chestnut, arcuately costate, the interstices very lightly striated, suture channeled; whorls 5, convex, slowly increasing, the last deflected above, rounded below, periphery obsoletely angulated.“. [2]

The species is now extinct.

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References:

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

(not in copyright)

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edited: 02.08.2022

Sinployea canalis (Garrett)

Grooved Sinployea Snail (Sinployea canalis)

The Grooved Sinployea Snail was described in 1872, apparently based on 13 specimens; at that time, it was already: “A somewhat rare species, found on the ground in damp forests, and confined to a single valley. its flat spire, deeply channeled suture, and very wide umbilicus are its most important characters.” [1]

The shells reached sizes of about 0,4 to 0,55 cm in diameter; they are: “widely umbilicate, flatly discoid, thin, subpellucid, slightly glossy, closely and very finely ribbed, ribs oblique, sinuous, light brownish horn color, with darker radiating spots; spire very flat, not rising above the penultimate whorl; suture deeply channeled; whorls 5, strongly convex, regularly increasing, last one declivous above the periphery, rounded below; umbilicus deep, perspective, freely exposing all the whorls, nearly half the diameter of the shell; aperture oblique, sinuously rounded; peristome thin, simple, slightly sinuous.” [1]

The species disappeared shortly after its description.

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References:

*********************

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

(not in copyright)

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edited: 02.08.2022

Palline notera ssp. notera Solem

Peleliu Palline Snail (Palline notera ssp. notera)

The nominate race of this species was restricted to the island of Peleliu, Palau Islands.

The shells reached an average size of 0,19 to 0,24 cm in diameter.

***

The majority of the habitat of this, and other snail species from the island of Peleliu, was destroyed during World War II, when large areas of the island forests were destroyed – by the summer of 1944 the island was occupied by about 11000 Japanese soldiers, which had entrenched themselves in subterranean tunnel systems. The US-Army, which landed on the island in the September of the year 1944, deployed flamethrowers and grenades, but also napalm bombs, to deforest the Japanese positions.

***

Field searches in the years 2003, 2005, and 2007 were unsuccessful, and this form is now most probably extinct.

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References:

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edited: 07.11.2020

Dead as the Dodo – Holocene Extinctions

… about 5858 taxa have disappeared since the beginning of the Anthropocene era (since about 10000 BCE)

Tag Archives: Charopidae

Helenoconcha perarmata (Smith)

Trachycystis rariplicata (Pfeiffer)

Sinployea sp. ‘Bora Bora’

Sinployea titikaveka Brook

Helenoconcha minutissima (Smith)

Lauopa mbalavuana Solem

Sinployea planospira (Garrett)

Helenoconcha polyodon (Sowerby)

Damonita geminoropiformis Climo

Sinployea peasei Solem

Taipidon anceyana (Garrett)

Sinployea youngi (Garrett)

Lagivala davidi (Ladd)

Sinployea harveyensis (Garrett)

Sinployea clista Solem

Sinployea tenuicostata (Garrett)

Hirasiella clara Pilsbry

Helenoconcha pseustes (Smith)

Helenodiscus vernoni (Smith)

Sinployea aunuuana Solem

Zelandiscus worthyi Climo

Sinployea proxima (Garrett)

Sinployea muri Brook

Sinployea otareae (Garrett)

Sinployea complementaria (Mousson)

Helenoconcha leptalea (Smith)

Sinployea tupapa Brook

Sinployea rotumana (E. A. Sm.)

Helenodiscus bilamellata (Sowerby)

Taipidon octolamellata (Garrett)

Opanara caliculata Solem

Helenoconcha sexdentata (Smith)

Taipidon marquesana (Garrett)

Sinployea rudis (Garrett)

Sinployea decorticata (Garrett)

Sinployea canalis (Garrett)

Palline notera ssp. notera Solem