Physella acuta (Draparnaud, 1805) Main synonym = Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 |
Taxonomical Classification: Animalia / Mollusca / Gastropoda / Heterobranchia / Physidae |
Tadpole Snail, Bladder Snail Maltese name not known |
Worldwide distribution: |
Frequency in Malta: |
Status: |
Habitat: |
Further Information: Like all snails in the family Physidae, their shells are sinistral where their aperture is on the left-hand side if the shell is facing. Moreover, they have a long and large aperture, a pointed spire, and no operculum. The shells are thin and corneous and rather transparent.
Once it was believed that this snail only lives in the Mediterranean region, until the North American Physella heterostropha became considered to be a synonym hence extending the species' distribution from North-American to the Mediterranean and then North Europe. Its RedList assessment is least concern.
This is an aquatic species, mostly found in small or shallow rivers, lakes and swamps, but in Malta in Malta it is frequently found in water catchment areas along valleys and reservoirs within urbanised localities.
Photos courtesy of Alan Outen with acknowledgements to Peter Topley for the species confirmation. |
Special contributor, data input & photos for the Mollusca section courtesy of Owen Mifsud |
|
Other Links and info |
Funghi & Fauna Main Page |
Wild Plants Main Index |
Close This Window |
Image Code: PHYS-ACU
(required to buy images in this page)
|
|
This website needs financial support through sponsors or advertisment - check here . |