Tag Archives: Endodontidae

Pseudolibera aubertdelaruei Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Aubert de la Rüe’ Pseudolibera Snail (Pseudolibera aubertdelaruei)

Aubert de la Rüe’ Pseudolibera Snail was described in 2014, it is known from only three specimens which were collected in 1955 by E. Aubert de la Rüe on the island of makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells reach sizes of less than 0,6 cm in diameter, they are white, depressed and decorated with flammulations, the apex is flat, the spire elevated, the peripheral keel is very short. [1]

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References:

[1] A. F. Sartori; O. Gargominy; B. Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3772(1): 1–68. 2014

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edited: 13.06.2020

Pseudolibera matthieui Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Matthieu’s Pseudolibera Snail (Pseudolibera matthieui)

Matthieu’s Pseudolibera Snail was described in 2014, it is known from at least 118 specimens that were collected on the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells reach sizes of less than 0,7 cm in diameter, they are white and show regularely spaced, amber-colored flammulations on the apical surface. [1]

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References:

[1] A. F. Sartori; O. Gargominy; B. Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3772(1): 1–68. 2014

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edited: 13.06.2020

Hirasea katoi Habe

Kato’s Hirasea Snail (Hirasea katoi)

Kato’s Hirasea Snail was described in 1973 based on only two specimens that were collected from dune deposits of probably Pleistocene age on the island of Minamijima, Ogasawara Islands, Japan.

The shells reached sizes of 0,3 cm in height, they were very flat, opercular in shape with an extremely depressed spire and a sharply marginated periphery. [1]

***

The species probably disappeared sometimes at the end of the Pleistocene or the beginning of the Holocene.

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References:

[1] Tadashige Habe: Fossil land snails from Minami-jima, Bonin Islands. Science Reports of the Tohoku University, Special Volume 6 (Hatai Memorial Volume): pages 51-53. 1973

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edited: 11.05.2019

Pseudohelenoconcha spurca (Sowerby)

Tainted Saint Helena Snail (Pseudohelenoconcha spurca)

The Tainted Saint Helena Snail was described in 1844 on the basis of subfossil, and apparently also quite recent shells that were collected at several localities at higher altitudes on the island of Saint Helena.

***

The species survived at least into the middle of the 19th century, since at least one the forms, (Pseudocampylaea dianae (Pfeiffer)), formerly described as distinct species and now assigned to this one, have been found alive. [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

Mautodontha makateaensis Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Makatea Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha makateaensis)

This species was described in 2014, it is known from subfossil material that was found near the port of Temao on the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells are less than 0,4 cm in diameter; they are subdepressed, white and do not bear any markings.

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 13.03.2021

Mautodontha spelunca Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Cave Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha spelunca)

This species was described in 2014 based on at least 405 subfossil shell specimens that were collected from a cave south of the village of Temao near the eastern coast of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells are less than 0,5 cm in diameter; they are depressed, white and do not bear any markings. [1]

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 13.03.2021

Hirasea eutheca Hirase

Straight Hirasea Snail (Hirasea eutheca)

The Straight Hirasea Snail was described in 1907; it is, or maybe was, restricted to the island of Hahajima in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,2 cm in height and about 0,3 cm in diameter; the spire is low-conic and the base very convex.

The species is now likely extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] 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: ‘The Conchological Magazine 1907’

(public domain)

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edited: 17.05.2022

Mautodontha subtilis (Garrett)

Subtile Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha subtilis)

This species was described in 1884; it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of Huahine in the Society archipelago.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,29 to 0,34 cm in diameter; they are light yellowish horn-colored with evenly spaced, wide, slightly zigzag-shaped, reddish flammulations which fade out on the base of the shell. [1]

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References:

[1] 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; a.o.: Manual of Conchology. Second Series: Pulmonata Vol. 3, Helicidae Vol. 1. 1887’

(public domain)

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edited: 13.03.2021

Mautodontha saintjohni Solem

St. John’s Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha saintjohni)

This species was described in 1976; it was endemic to the island of Bora Bora in the Society archipelago.

The shells reach about 0,26 to 0,3 cm in diameter; they are white and bear prominent zigzag-shaped, reddish flammulations.

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References:

[1] 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: 13.03.2021

Mautodontha temaoensis Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Temao Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha temaoensis)

The Temao Mautodontha Snail was described in 2014, it is known only from subfossil material that was found near the port of Temao on the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells are less than 0,3 cm in diameter; they are depressed, white and bear no markings at all. [1]

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 13.03.2021

Hirasea insignis Pilsbry & Hirase

Remarkable Hirasea Snail (Hirasea insignis)

This species was described in 1904; it is, or maybe was, restricted to the island of Mukojima in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan.

This is a very small species; the shells reach sizes of about 0,2 cm in height and about 0,3 cm in diameter. “Shell imperforate, depressed, with low-conic spire and convex base, impressed in the center. Brown. Very finely and regularly striate radially above, smooth below. Whorls 5, convex, very slowly widening. Aperture crescentic, narrow, the lip strengthened by a strong white rib within, abruptly stopping short of the upper insertion. A long, erect callous lamina stands at the edge of the parietal callous.” [1]

The species might now be extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] Henry A. Pilsbry; Y. Hirase: Descriptions of new land snails of the Japanese Empire. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 56: 616-638. 1904
[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: ‘The Conchological Magazine 1907’

(public domain)

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edited: 17.05.2022

Mautodontha passosi Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Passos’ Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha passosi)

This species was described in 2014, it is known from subfossil material that was found in rocky substrate at a cliff north of Moumu village on the eastern shore of the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells are less than 0,4 cm in diameter; they are subdepressed and white in color, they do not bear any markings. [1]

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 13.03.2021

Mautodontha parvidens (Pease)

Small-toothed Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha parvidens)

The Small-toothed Mautodontha Snail was described in 1861; this species is known to occur on at least three islands, Huahine, Mo’orea, and Tahiti in the Society Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,28 to 0,39 cm in diameter; they are light yellowish white with broad, protractively sinuate, reddish flammulations which become faint or absent on the base of the shell. [1]

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References:

[1] 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: 13.03.2021

Pseudolibera cookei Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Cooke’s Pseudolibera Snail (Pseudolibera cookei)

Cooke’s Pseudolibera Snail was described in 2014, it is known from nine specimens that were collected from a limestone cave at the western coast of the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells reach sizes of less than 0,7 cm, they are depressed, dome-shaped, white with a amber tint covering most of their surface but being absent from the vicinity of the umbilicus, their apex and spires are elevated, the peripheral keel is slightly angled towards the shell base. [1]

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References:

[1] A. F. Sartori; O. Gargominy; B. Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3772(1): 1–68. 2014

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edited: 13.06.2020

Mautodontha occidentalis Sartoti, Gargominy & Fontaine

Western Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha occidentalis)

This species was described in 2014.

The species appears to be known from only 32 specimens, which were collected from the deposits inside a cave at the west coast of Makatea, Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells reach a size of less than 0,3 cm in diameter, they are subdepressed and bear no flammulations. [1]

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 02.10.2017

Mautodontha domaneschii Sartoti, Gargominy & Fontaine

Domaneschi’s Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha domaneschii)

Domaneschi’s Mautodontha Snail was described in 2014.

The species is known from as much as 744 specimens, all collected in the northeastern part of Makatea, some from the deposits of the caves in the impressive cliffs.

The shells reach a size of about 0,35 cm in diameter, they are discoidal and bear no signs of flammulations. [1]

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 19.04.2018

Cookeconcha paucilamellata (Ancey)

Hamakua Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha paucilamellata)

The Hamakua Cookeconcha Snail was described in 1904, originally as a ‘variety’ of another species, the Mountain Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha hystricella (Pfeiffer)) from the island of O’ahu, one of probably only three species of this genus still surviving.

However, this species originates from the biggest of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawai’i itself, were it apparently inhabited the forest floor of the rainforest at the slopes of Mauna Kea. [1]

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References:

[1] 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: ‘C. F. Ancey: Report on semi-fossil land shells found in the Hamakua District, Hawaii. The Journal of Malacology 11: 65-74. 1904’

(public domain)

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edited: 13.06.2020

Mautodontha virginiae Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Virginie’s Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha virginae)

Virginie’s Mautodontha Snail was described in 2014; it is a now extinct species that was endemic to the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells of this species are less than 0,4 cm in diameter; they are depressed, white to fawn in color and bear irregularly spaced, amber-colored flammulations which persist on the shell base or are fading out in the vicinity of the umbilical margin.

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 13.03.2021

Minidonta haplaenopla Solem

Simply-armed Minidonta Snail (Minidonta haplaenopla)

This species was described in 1976 from empty shells that were collected at the Matonaa Plateau on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells are rather large for the genus, about 0,23 to 0,3 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The species was not recorded during recent searches and is now best considered extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 04.10.2017

Australdonta radiella ssp. rurutuensis (Garrett)

Australdonta Snail (Australdonta radiella ssp. rurutuensis)

This somewhat enigmatic form was described in 1879, apparently from a single specimen from the island of Rurutu that only slightly differs from the ‘normal’ Australdonta radiella (Pfeiffer) from the neighboring island of Tubuai. [1]

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References:

[1] 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: 22.03.2018

Mautodontha unilamellata (Garrett)

Rarotongan Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha unilamellata)

This species was described in 1874; it was restricted to the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

The shells reach sizes of 0,36 to about 0,43 cm in diameter; they are light yellowish horn-colored with numerous, crowded zigzag-shaped, reddish flammulations. [1]

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References:

[1] 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: 13.03.2021

Pseudolibera parva Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Small Pseudolibera Snail (Pseudolibera parva)

The Small Pseudolibera Snail was described in 2014, it is known from 44 specimens that were collected from the base of a limestone cliff on the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

This is the smallest of the species within its genus, the shells reach sizes of less than 0,5 cm, they are depressed, white and are decorated with regularely spaced amber- to maroon-colored flammulations that quickly fade out on the shell base, the first two to three whorls, in addition to the flammulations, often show a fawn background coloration. [1]

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References:

[1] A. F. Sartori; O. Gargominy; B. Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3772(1): 1–68. 2014

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edited: 13.06.2020

Hirasea profundispira Pilsbry

Deep-coiled Hirasea Snail (Hirasea profundispira)

The strange-looking Deep-coiled Hirasea Snail was described in 1902.

The species comes from the island of Chichijima in the Ogasawara island group, Japan and is considered most likely extinct.

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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: 20.03.2018

Aaadonta pelewana Solem

Palau Aaadonta Disc Snail (Aaadonta pelewana)

The Palau Aaadonta Disc Snail was described in 1976 based on several (seven, as far as I’m aware) shells that had been found somewhere (the exact locality is not known) on the Palau Islands some 70 years ago (an exact date is not known to me).

The shells of this tiny species reached a size of only about 0,28 cm in diameter. [1]

***

According to David Bullis (pers. comm.), who studies this genus in Palau, this species has indeed never been found since the type collection and may indeed be extinct, in my opinion it should best be referred to as ‘Data Deficient’.

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References:

[1] A. 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: 10.05.2019

Cookeconcha luctifera (Pilsbry & Vanatta)

Mourning Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha luctifera)

This species was described in 1905, it was endemic to the island of Moloka’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells reached sizes of about 0,39 to 0,52 cm, they had a light yellow ground color and were decorated with brown flammulations. [1]

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References:

[1] 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: ‘H. A. Pilsbry; E. G. Vanatta: Notes on some Hawaiian Achatinellidae and Endodontidae. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia 57: 570-575. 1905’

(not in copyright)

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edited: 13.06.2020

Mautodontha aurora Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Aurora Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha aurora)

This species was described in 2014, it is known from subfossil material that was found on top of a cliff on the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells are less than 0,35 cm in diameter; they are depressed white to fawn in color and do not bear any markings. [1]

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 13.03.2021

Mautodontha punctiperforata (Garrett)

Perforated Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha punctiperforata)

This species was described in 1884; it is, or rather was, endemic to the island of Mo’orea in the Society archipelago.

The shells reach sizes of 0,3 to about 0,36 cm in diameter; they are light yellowish horn-colored with prominent, reddish flammulations which are broader above and are becoming narrower on the body whorl, fading out on the base of the shell. [2]

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References:

[1] 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: 13.03.2021

Hirasea minamijimana Habe

Minamijima Hirasea Snail (Hirasea minamijimana)

The Minamijima Hirasea Snail was described in 1973 based on five specimens that were collected from probably Pleistocene deposits on the island of Minamijima, Ogasawara Islands, Japan.

The shells reached sizes of about 0,56 to 0,64 cm in heigth, they were ashy white and their surface was ribbed by distantly placed rough growth lines. [1]

***

I do not know for sure when this species actually disappeared, but I assume it to be a Pleistocene/Holocene border extinction.

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References:

[1] Tadashige Habe: Fossil land snails from Minami-jima, Bonin Islands. Science Reports of the Tohoku University, Special Volume 6 (Hatai Memorial Volume): pages 51-53. 1973

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edited: 11.05.2019

Endodonta lamellosa (Férussac)

Lamellar Disc Snail (Endodonta lamellosa)

The Lamellar Disc Snail was described in 1822, originally as coming from “Islands of the South Sea“, it was, however, endemic to Mt. Konahuanui, the highest peak of the Ko’olau Mountains on the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands.

***

The Lamellar Disc Snail is now, like most of its congeners, extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] Henry A. Pilsbry; C. Montangue Cooke Jr.; Marie C. Neal: Land Snails from Hawaii, Christmas Island, and Samoa. Bishop Museum Bulletin 47: 1-49. 1928
[2] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Biodiversity and extinction of Hawaiian land snails: how many are left now and what must we do to conserve them – a reply to. Integrative and Comparative Biology 58(6): 1157-1169. 2018

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Depiction from: ‘H. A. Pilsbry; E. G. Vanatta: Hawaiian species of Endodonta and Opeas. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 57: 783-786. 1905’

(not in copyright)

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edited: 06.09.2019

Kleokyphus callimus Solem

Small Makatea Kleokyphus Snail (Kleokyphus callimus)

This species was described in 1976 based on four specimens that were collected in 1955 somewhere on the island of Makatea, Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells are less than 0,5 cm in diameter, they are white with regularly spaced amber-colored markings. [1]

***

The Small Makatea Kleokyphus Snail is known from ten specimens altogether, it is the type species of its genus. [1]

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 03.10.2017

Minidonta taunensis Solem & Cooke

Tauna Disc Snail (Minidonta taunensis)

This species was described in the year 1976 on the basis of two specimens, which had been found in the year 1934 on the small coral islet Tauna in the Gambier Archipelago, sitting on dead leaves.

The shells reach an average size of 0,22 cm in diameter.

***

The Tauna Disc Snail was for a long time known only from the typus material, but then, in the year 1997, shells of this species were also found on the islands of Akamaru and Kouaku.

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Nouveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints da l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystema 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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edited: 23.09.2017

Pseudolibera eliporoii Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Elie Poroi’s Pseudolibera Snail (Pseudolibera eliporoii)

Elie Poroi’s Pseudolibera Snail was described in 2014, it was endemic to the island of Makatea, Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia; it is known from at least 93 specimens, most of which were collected from the deposits inside the Moumu cave.

The shells reach a size of less than 0,7 cm, they are subdepressed, dome-shaped, white and bear regularely spaced amber-colored flammulations which are often more conspicuous on the shell base than apically. [1]

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References:

[1] A. F. Sartori; O. Gargominy; B. Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3772(1): 1–68. 2014

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edited: 13.06.2020

Gambiodonta grandis Cooke & Solem

Large Gambiodonta Snail (Gambiodonta grandis)

The Large Gambiodonta Snail was described in 1976 (together with all other members of its genus), it is known from 259 specimens collected in 1934, 32 from the islet of Agakauitai and 227 from Aukena Islet, Gambier Islands.

The Large Gambiodonta Snail was the largest member of its genus known so far, the shell of the holotype reached 0,85 cm in heigth and 1,18 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The whole genus apparently disappeared shortly after the arrival of the first Polynesians on the Gambier Islands.

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References:

[1] 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: 19.04.2019

Mautodontha harperae Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Harper’s Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha harperae)

This species was described in 2014 based on subfossil shells that had been obtained from deposits inside the Moumu Cave on the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells are less than 0,4 cm in diameter; they are depressed, white and don’t bear any flammulations.

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3771(1): 1-68. 2014

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edited: 13.03.2021

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]

***

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

Minidonta simulata Solem & Cooke

Gambier Islands Minidonta Snail (Minidonta simulata)

This species was described in 1976.

The species was originally known from specimens that had been collected on the islands of Agakuitai, Aukena and Mangareva, Gambier Islands, but was subsequently found on Akamaru and Taravai too. [1][2]

The shells are quite large for the genus, reaching about 0,24 to 0,29 cm in diameter. [1]

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

References

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

edited: 05.10.2017

Graeffedon graeffei (Mousson)

Graeffe’s Graeffedon Snail (Graeffedon graeffei)

This species from the Samoan island of ‘Upolu, which is known only from a handful specimens, was described in the year 1869.

The shells reach an average size of 0,46 to 0,59 cm in diameter.

Graeffe’s Graeffedon Snail inhabited the leaf litter of the rainforests, where it easily felt victim to introduced rats, and more so to the likewise introduced Yellow Crazy Ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes F. Smith).

The last specimen was collected in the year 1965.

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

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

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

edited: 02.11.2020

Gambiodonta mangarevana Solem & Cooke

Mangarevan Gambiodonta Snail (Gambiodonta mangarevana)

The Mangarevan Gambiodonta Snail was described in 1976 based on only six specimens, two adults and four juveniles, that had been collected in 1934 on the island of Mangareva, Gambier Islands.

The species is quite similar to the Domed Gambiodonta Snail (Gambiodonta tumida Cooke & Solem) but smaller, its shells reached average sizes of about 0,45 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The species occurred also on the small island of Taravai, next to Mangareva Island, where its subfossil shells were discovered during field searches in 1997. [2]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Noveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints de l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystea 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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

edited: 19.04.2019

Pseudolibera extincta Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Extinct Pseudolibera Snail (Pseudolibera extincta)

This species was described in 2014, it is known from at least 30 specimens that were collected from below rocks on the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The shells are less than 0,7 cm in diameter, they are depressed, dome-shaped, white and are decorated with regularely spaced amber-colored flammulations on the apical surface but absent from the shell base. [1]

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

References:

[1] A. F. Sartori; O. Gargominy; B. Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3772(1): 1–68. 2014

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

edited: 13.06.2020

Minidonta sulcata Solem

Sulcate Minidonta Snail (Minidonta sulcata)

This species was described in 1976, it is apparently known from only four specimens, that were collected from the same locality on the island of Raiavavae, Austral Islands, that also harbored the shells of the Anatonu Minidonta Snail (Minidonta anatonuana Solem), the Micro-coned Minidonta Snail (Minidonta micraconica Solem), and the Planulate Minidonta Snail (Minidonta planulata Solem).

The shells reach sizes of about 0,2 to 0,23 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The species wasn’t found during recent searches and is now considered extinct. [2]

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

References:

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

edited: 04.10.2017

Cookeconcha lanaiensis (Sykes)

Lanai Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha lanaiensis)

The Lanai Cookeconcha Snail was, as its name implies, endemic to the island of Lana’i, Hawaiian Islands, it was described in 1896. [1]

This species is also considered to have occurred on the islands of Hawai’i and Kaua’i (the specimen depicted below is supposed to be from that island), however, the specimens from these islands should definetely be reinvestigated.

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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

Depiction from ‘Fauna Hawaiiensis; being the land-fauna of the Hawaiian Islands. by various authors, 1899-1913. Cambridge [Eng.]: The University Press, 1913’

(public domain)

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

edited: 13.06.2020

Minidonta extraria Cooke & Solem

Strange Minidonta Snail (Minidonta extraria)

This species was described in 1976 based on three specimens, each found on another island of the Gambier group respectively.

The shells reached sizes of about 0,27 to 0,3 cm in diameter.

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Nouveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints da l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystema 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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

edited: 05.10.2017

Endodonta kamehameha Pilsbry & Vanatta

Kamehameha Disc Snail (Endodonta kamehameha)

The Kamehameha Disc Snail was restricted to the Wailau Pali Valley, Mapulehu at the southern coast of eastern Moloka’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells reached of this very large species a size of up to 0,73 cm in diameter. [1][2]

***

The Kamehameha Disc Snail is now most certainly extinct. [3]

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

References:

[1] H. A. Pilsbry; E. G. Vanatta: Hawaiian species of Endodonta and Opeas. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 57: 783-786. 1905
[2] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[3] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Update on the status of the remaining Hawaiian land snail species Part 4: Punctidae and Endodontidae. 2016

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

edited: 05.04.2018

Mautodontha consobrina (Garrett)

Huahine Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha consobrina)

The Huahine Mautodontha Snail was described in 1884; it was restricted to the island of Huahine, Society Islands.

The shells reach an average size of 0,38 cm in diameter, the largest are up to 0,43 cm in diameter; they are light yellowish horn-colored with broad, frequently spaced zigzag-shaped, reddish flammulations. [2]

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

“Rare and peculiar to one valley.” [1]

This statement is all, that is known about this now extinct species, of which obviously only seven museum specimens are in existence.

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

References:

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

edited: 13.03.2021

Hirasea planulata Pilsbry & Hirase

Planulate Hirasea Snail (Hirasea planulata)

The Planulate Hirasea Snail was described in 1903, it is or was endemic to the island of Hahajima in the Ogasawara Islands of Japan.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,18 cm in heigth and about 0,32 cm in diameter, they are yellowish brown, dull and very densely, very finely radially striatea above, becoming smooth and glossy beneath. [1]

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

References:

[1] H. A. Pilsbry; Y. Hirase: Notices of new Japanese land shells. The Nautilus 17(4): 44-46. 1903

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

Depiction from: ‘The Conchological Magazine 1907’

(public domain)

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

edited: 11.05.2019

Pseudolibera lillianae Cooke & Solem

Liliana’s Pseudolibera Snail (Pseudolibera lillianae)

Liliana’s Pseudolibera Snail was described in 1976 based on only two specimens, the considerably worn holotype and another, very small juvenile specimen, apparently both collected in 1958 on the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago. [1][2]

***

The species is now, however, known from at least 1140 specimens, most of which were collected during intensive field studies on the island of Makatea in 2005.

The shells are less than 0,9 cm in diameter, they are depressed dome-shaped, white with regularey spaced amber-colored flammulations, frequently interrupted at the shell periphery and vicinity of the umbilicus. [2]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] A. F. Sartori; O. Gargominy; B. Fontaine: Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia. Zootaxa 3772(1): 1–68. 2014

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

edited: 19.04.2019

Gambiodonta mirabilis Cooke & Solem

Miraculous Gambiodonta Snail (Gambiodonta mirabilis)

The Miraculous Gambiodonta Snail was described in 1976 based on 39 specimens that had been collected in 1934, 4 on the islet of Aukena and 35 on Mangareva Island, Gambier Islands.

The shells reached average sizes of 0,5 to 0,58 cm in diameter. [1]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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

edited: 19.04.2019

Mautodontha zebrina (Garrett)

Striped Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha zebrina)

The Striped Mautodontha Snail was described in 1874, it is known only from six specimens that were collected in an (unnamed?) valley on the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

The shells reach sizes of 0,37 to 0,46 cm in diameter; they are very light yellowish horn-colored with irregularly spaced, reddish flammulations that fade out towards the umbilicus. [1]

***

The Striped Mauthodonta Snail is now extinct.

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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

edited: 13.03.2021

Cookeconcha paucicostata (Pease)

Small-ribbed Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha paucicostata)

The Small-ribbed Cookeconcha Snail was described in 1870, it is known fom a single specimen that originally was labelled as originating from the Marquesas.

The shell has a size of about 0,3 cm in diameter. [1]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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

edited: 13.06.2020

Minidonta flammulina Abdou & Bouchet

Flammulated Minidonta Snail (Minidonta flammulina)

This species was described in 2000 based on subfossil specimens that were collected near Gahutu Tenohu at the north coast of Mangareva, Gambier Islands, at a site covered with introduced wees and Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.).

The shells reach an average size of about 0,29 cm in diameter, they are covered with regularly spaced rusty-colored markings. [1]

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

References:

[1] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Nouveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints da l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystema 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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

edited: 05.10.2017

Endodonta fricki (Pfeiffer)

Frick’s Disc Snail (Endodonta fricki)

Frick’s Disc Snail was described in 1858, it was apparently distributed over the whole Wai’anae Mountains on the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands, some of the specimens included in here, however, are probably geographical subspecies or even distinct species.

The shells of this species reached sizes of about 0,26 to 0,38 cm in heigth. [1]

***

Frick’s Disc Snail is now, like most of its congeners, extinct. [2]

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

References:

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

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

(public domain)

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

edited: 08.05.2019

Cookeconcha thwingi (Ancey)

Thwing’s Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha thwingi)

This species was described in 1904.

Thwing’s Cookeconcha Snail inhabited an extinct crater at the Kona coast of Hawai’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells reached a size of 0,21 to 0,25 cm in diameter. [1]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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

edited: 23.03.2018

Hirasea diplomphalus ssp. latispira Pilsbry

Wide-spired Hirasea Snail (Hirasea diplomphalus ssp. latispira)

The Wide-spired Hirasea Snail was described in 1902, it is or was endemic to the islnd of Chichijima, Ogasawara Islands, Japan.

This form is similar to the nominate race but differs from it that the spire is wider and less sunken. [1]

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

References:

[1] Henry A. Pilsbry: New land mollusks of the Japanese Empire. The Nautilus 16(2): 45-47. 1902

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

edited: 11.05.2019

Australdonta microspiralis Zimmermann, Gargominy & Fontaine

Micro-spiraled Austral Snail (Australdonta microspiralis)

This species was described in 2009.

The Micro-spiraled Austral Snail is endemic to the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 3,5 cm in diameter, they are very flat and have a height of only about 0,1 cm, they are decorated with darker ornaments.

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

References:

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

04.09.2020

Cookeconcha elisae (Ancey)

Elisa’s Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha elisae)

This species was described in 1889, its exact origin is not known, but it certainly originates from one of the Hawaiian Islands. [1]

The species is clearly extinct like almost all of its congeners.

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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

edited: 16.10.2017

Cookeconcha contorta (Ferrussac)

Contorted Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha contorta)

This species was originally described in 1824, it is obviously known from only four specimens, it apparently inhabited some place in the Wai’anae Mountains on the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands. [1]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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

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

edited: 13.06.2020

Endodonta binaria (Pfeiffer)

Binary Disc Snail (Endodonta binaria)

The Binary Disc Snail, which was described in 1856, was endemic to the island of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands. The shells on average reached a size of 0,43 cm in diameter. [1]

***

This species is now most likely extinct, like nearly all of its congeners. [2]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Update on the status of the remaining Hawaiian land snail species Part 4: Punctidae and Endodontidae. 2016

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

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)

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

edited: 23.03.2017

Gambiodonta agakauitaiana Solem & Cooke

Agakauitai Gambiodonta Snail (Gambiodonta agakauitaiana)

This species was described in 1976 based on specimens that had been collected in 1934 on the small islet of Agakauitai which lies about 300 m south of Mangareva, Gambier Islands.

The shells reached sizes of 0,39 to 0,4 cm in dimater. [1]

***

The species was originally only known from the small islet of Agakauitai, but subfossil shells were discovered in 1997 on the islands of Mangareva and Taravai, the two largest of the Gambier Islands, as well. [2]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Noveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints de l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystea 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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

edited: 19.04.2019

Hirasea biconcava Pilsbry

Concave Hirasea Snail (Hirasea biconcava)

This species was described in 1907, it was restricted to the island of Hahajima in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan.

The shells reach a height of about 0,2 cm and are about 0,4 cm in diameter.

***

This species is also treated as subspecies of the Plane Hirasea Snail (Hirasea planulata Pilsbry & Hirase) .

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

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

edited: 11.05.2019

Endodonta laminata (Pease)

Laminated Disc Snail (Endodonta laminata)

This species was described in 1866, it was restricted to an area that reached from Kahiliwai to Haena on the northern coast of Kaua’i, Hawaiian Islands.

The Laminated Disc Snail was a quite large species, its shells reached an average size of about 0,6 to 0,65 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The species was not seen since the beginning of the 20th century and is very certainly extinct. [2]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Norine W. Yeung; Kenneth A. Hayes: Update on the status of the remaining Hawaiian land snail species Part 4: Punctidae and Endodontidae. 2016

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

edited: 23.03.2017

Minidonta perminima Abdou & Bouchet

Small Minidonta Snail (Minidonta perminima)

This species was described in 2000 based on subfossil shells that were found at Gahutu Tenohu at the north coast of Mangareva, Gambier Islands, at a site covered with introduced herbs and Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.).

The shells reach an average size of about 0,16 cm in diameter. [1]

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

References:

[1] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Nouveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints da l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystema 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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

edited: 05.10.2017

Australdonta collicella Zimmermann, Gargominy & Fontaine

Small Rurutu Austral Snail (Australdonta collicella)

The species was described in 2009.

The shell reached a size of about 0,58 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The island of Rurutu is now known to have once harbored 11 species of this genus, all of them are now extinct. [1]

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

References:

[1] Gabrielle Zimmermann; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Quatre espèces nouvelles d’Endodontidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) éteints de Rurutu (Îles Australes, Polynésie française). Zoosystema 31(4): 791-805. 2009
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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

edited: 21.03.2018

Anceyodonta umbilicata Abdou & Bouchet

Umbilicated Disc Snail (Anceyodonta umbilicata)

This species, which was described based on subfossil shells in 2000, is known exclusively from the island of Taravai, Gambier Islands in French Polynesia. [1]

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

References

[1] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Nouveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints da l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystema 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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

edited: 21.03.2018

Minidonta micra Solem & Cooke

Minute Minidonta Snail (Minidonta micra)

This species was described in 1976 based on specimens that had been collected in 1934 from a cave on the tiny islet of Aukena in the Gambier group.

The shells are very small, only about 0,16 to 0,19 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The species was originally known only from Aukena, but other specimens were subsequently found on the islands of Akamaru, Mangareva and Taravai as well. [2]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Nouveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints da l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystema 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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

edited: 04.10.2017

Hirasea major Pilsbry

Large Hirasea Snail (Hirasea major)

This species was described in 1902, it was restricted to the island of Chichijima in the Ogasawara Island group of Japan.

The shells are quite large for the genus, they reach heights of about 0,33 cm and are up to about 0,67 cm in diameter, they are depressed, lens-shaped, brown, dull and densely striate above, paler and somewhat glossy beneath.

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

References:

[1] Henry A. Pilsbry: New land mollusks of the Japanese Empire. The Nautilus 16(4): 45-47. 1902

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

Photo from: ‘Y. Hirase: The Conchological Magazine 1(1). 1907’

(public domain)

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

edited: 10.10.2017

Minidonta vallonia Abdou & Bouchet

Vallonia Minidonta Snail (Minidonta vallonia)

This species was described in 2000 based on subfossil shells that were discovered near the cemetery of an abandoned village on the island of Taravai, Gambier Islands.

The shells are about 0,18 cm in diameter. [1]

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

References:

[1] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Nouveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints da l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystema 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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

edited: 05.10.2017

Cookeconcha sp. ‘Barbers Point’

Kalaeloa Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha sp.)

The Kalaeloa Cookeconcha Snail is an undescribed species that is known exclusively from subfossil specimens that were recovered from coastal deposits at Kalaeloa (Barber’s Point) on the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands. [1]

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

References:

[1] Patrick V. Kirch; Carl C. Christensen: Nonemarine molluscs and paleoecology at Barber’s Point, O’ahu. Prepared for Archaeological Research Center Hawaii, Inc.. Department of Anthropology; Bernice P. Bishop Museum 1-40. 1980

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

edited: 22.04.2019

Orangia maituatensis Solem

Maitua Orangia Snail (Orangia maituatensis)

This species was described in 1976, it is endemic to the island of Rapa, Austral Islands, where it appears to be (or have been) restricted to cliffs near Maitua in the southern part of the island, and Mt. Tautautu.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,38 to 0,44 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The Maitua Orangia Snail was not found during recent field surveys and may be extinct. [2]

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

References:

[1] A. Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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

edited: 18.03.2017

Gambiodonta pilsbryi Cooke & Solem

Pilsbry’s Gambiodonta Snail (Gambiodonta pilsbryi)

This species was described in 1976 based on 88 specimens that had been collected in 1934 near the Gahutu Bay (often referred to as Ganhutu) on the island of Mangareva, Gambier Islands.

The shells reached average sizes of 0,45 to 0,53 cm in diameter. [1]

***

There are also 79 specimens collected in 1934 on the islet of Aukena, 5 km southeast of Mangareva which originally were described as a distinct subspecies (Gambiodonta pilsbryi ssp. aukenensis Cooke & Solem), but this classification was later rejected. [1][2]

The species also occurred on the islet of Agakauitai, offshore Mangareva Island, where subfossil shells were recovered during field searches in 1997. [2]

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

References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Noveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints de l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystea 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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

edited: 19.04.2019

Hirasea sinuosa Pilsbry

Sinuose Hirasea Snail (Hirasea sinuosa)

The Sinuose Hirasea Snail was described in 1902, it is or was endemic to the island of Hahajima, Ogasawara Islands, Japan.

The shells of this species reached sizes of about 0,21 cm in height and about 0,43 cm in diameter [1]

***

Unfortunately it appears to be exremely hard to get any reliable information about this enigmatic snail genus.

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

References:

[1] Henry A. Pilsbry: Notices of new Japanese land shells. The Nautilus 15(10): 116-119. 1902

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

edited: 11.05.2019

Orangia cookei ssp. cookei Solem

Cooke’s Orangia Snail (Orangia cookei ssp. cookei)

The genus Orangia contains three species, of which one again, is split into three subspecies; all are endemic to the island of Rapa, Austral Islands; and all were described together in 1976. [1]

***

Cooke’s Orangia Snail is thought to consists of three subspecies, besides the nominate race these are, the Montane Orangia Snail (Orangia cookei ssp. montana Solem), and the Mt. Tautautu Orangia Snail (Orangia cookei ssp. tautautuensis Solem).

The nominate race is (or rather was) restricted to the vicinity of Mt. Orangi, Mt. Tanga, and Mt. Tepiahu.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,33 to 0,45 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The Montane Orangia Snail appears to be the sole survivor of its genus, it is the only species that was found during recent field work. [2]

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

References:

[1] A. Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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

edited: 18.03.2017

Hirasea hypolia Pilsbry

Hypolia Hirasea Snail (Hirasea hypolia)

This species was described in 1902, it was restricted to the island of Chichijima in the Ogasawara Islands group, Japan.

***

It is almost impossible to find out any information about this species and many other invertebrates from Japan.

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edited: 10.10.2017

Cookeconcha stellula (Gould)

Star-shaped Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha stellula)

The Star-shaped Cookeconcha Snail was described in 1844, it is apparently known from only two specimens, both having been collected on the island of Maui, Hawaiian Islands. [1]

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References:

[1] 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: 13.06.2020

Mautodontha consimilis (Pease)

Raiatean Mautodontha Snail (Mautodontha consimilis)

This species was described in 1868; it is endemic to the island of Ra’iatea in the Society archipelago.

The shells reach sizes of up to 0,4 cm in diameter; they are light yellowish horn-colored with regularly spaced zigzag-shaped, reddish flammulations that become less prominent on the base of the shell. [1]

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References:

[1] 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: 13.03.2021

Endodonta marsupialis Pilsbry & Vanatta

Marsupial Disc Snail (Endodonta marsupialis)

The Marsupial Disc Snail was described in 1905, it was already restricted to a tiny population back then, living in a small area on the western slope of Mt. Tantalus on the island of O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands.

The shells of this species reached sizes of about 0,36 to 0,38 cm in height and up to 0,82 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The Marsupial Disc Snail is now, like most of its congeners, extinct. [2]

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References:

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edited: 08.05.2019

Minidonta pue Brook

Pue Minidonta Snail (Minodonta pue)

This species was described in 2010 on the basis of subfossil shells that were recovered from sandy coral rubble near Pue near the north-eastern coast of Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

The shells reach sizes of only about 0,24 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: 17.08.2022

Minidonta arorangi Brook

Arorangi Disc Snail (Minidonta arorangi)

This species was described in the year 2010 from subfossil shells that were found in the sandy soil of the coastal plains between the villages of Aro’a and Arorangi on the southwest coast of the island of Rarotonga.

The shells reach an average size of 0,3 to 0,36 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: 11.06.2020

Thaumatodon multilamellata (Garrett)

Rarotongan Thaumatodon Snail (Thaumatodon multilamellata)

The Rarotongan Thaumatodon Snail was described in the year 1872.

According to A. J. Garrett, the author of the species, the snails were found exclusively in two remote valleys on the island of Rarotonga, with the two populations most probably representing distinct subspecies. [1][2]

The shell reached a size of about 3,4 cm in diameter.

The last life specimens were found in the middle of the 19th century (around 1860), since then the species is considered 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 I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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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

Anceyodonta soror Solem

Soror Disc Snail (Anceyodonta soror)

The Soror Disc Snail was described in the year 1976, the specie was originally known only from the island of Mangareva but empty shells assignable to this species were also found on nearby Akamaru island in 2000. [2]

The shell reaches sizes of averagely 0,22 to 0,3 cm in diameter.

The Soror Disc Snail is now extinct like almost all endemic or native land snail species of the Gambier Islands.

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Nouveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints da l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystema 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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edited: 10.09.2020

Cookeconcha decussatula (Pease)

Decussate Cookeconcha Snail (Cookeconcha decussatula)

The Decussate Cookeconcha Snail was described in 1866, it inhabited the islands of Maui and Moloka’i, Hawaiian Islands (the localities are sometimes erroneously given as Kaua’i and Moloka’i).

Like all of its congeners, this species was terrestrial.

The shells reached sizes of about 0,35 to 0,43 cm in diameter. [1]

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References:

[1] 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: 13.06.2020

Orangia sporadica Solem

Sporadic Orangia Snail (Orangia sporadica)

The Sporadic Orangia Snail was described in 1976.

The species is known from 102 specimens which all were collected in 1934. The snails were found hiding under stones in limited quantities at scattered localities.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,36 to 0,43 cm in diameter.

***

The Sporadic Orangia Snail was not found during the most recent field studies and may thus be extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] A. Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 18.03.2017

Gambiodonta tumida Cooke & Solem

Dome-shaped Gambiodonta Snail (Gambiodonta tumida)

The Dome-shaped Gambiodonta Snail was described in 1976 based on 33 specimens that had been collected in 1934 on the island of Mangareva, Gambier Islands.

The shells reached average sizes of 0,58 to 0,64 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The Dome-shaped Gambiodonta Snail was originally known only from specimens collected on the island of Mangareva alone, however, further subfossil shells were later discovered on the islets of Aukena and Taravai, offshore Mangareva Island as well. [2]

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Ahmed Abdou; Philippe Bouchet: Noveaux gastéropodes Endodontidae et Punctidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) récemment éteints de l’archipel des Gambier (Polynésie). Zoosystea 22(4): 689-707. 2000

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edited: 19.04.2019