A Guide for Terrestrial Gastropod Identification - University of ...

Urocoptidae
Kathryn E. Perez, Duke University
Urocoptidae is a large family related to the Bulimulidae and Achatinidae. The shells of snails in
this family tend to be elongate with a tapering spire and an expanded apertural lip. The two
genera (and species) found in Florida are similarly elongate, but Cochlodinella poeyana is
smaller with wider whorls and typically has a decollate spire in contrast with Microceramus
pontificus which is somewhat larger with a wider shell. The shape of the aperture is also very
different.
The majority of U.S. Urocoptids are in the genus Holospira. These are snails of the
limestone terrain of the arid southwestern U.S. Holospira and related genera found in Mexico are
very species-rich. Important characteristics for identification of Holospira species are the length
and width of the shell, the number of whorls, the smoothness or ribbing of the shell, and the
shape (angulate, ovate, or oblong) and folding of the aperture. For final identification the shell
must be opened, usually by cutting or grinding away the penultimate whorl to look at the central
axis of the shell. Lamellae are associated with the central axis of the shell, especially in the final
whorl. These lamellae are variously developed and shaped in different species.
Species of Holospira tend to live in isolated large colonies and be very restricted in
geographic location, for example, found only in single mountain ranges. One exception to this is
Metastoma roemeri which is found throughout central Texas to the Rio Grande Valley of New
Mexico. It is most abundant around New Braunfels, Texas. Other Holospira species are found
hanging attached to or under limestone ledges, a few species in West Texas are associated with
Selaginella (Resurrection plant). They can also be found along canyon walls, under stones, dead
Yucca stems, dead stems of Sotol and in limestone talus (Metcalf & Smartt, 1997). Specific
localities and habitat discussions of each New Mexico Holospira species can be found in Land
Snails of New Mexico (Metcalf & Smartt, 1997).
TAXON AUTHOR
G-
RANK DISTRIBUTION
Cochlodinella poeyana (d'Orbigny, 1841) G1G2 FL
Coelostemma pyrgonasta F. G. Thompson, 1989
Gilbertson and Worthington,
G1 NM
Holospira animasensis
2003 G1G2 NM
Holospira arizonensis Stearns, 1890 G2 AZ
Holospira campestris Pilsbry and Ferriss, 1915 G3Q AZ
Holospira chiricahuana Pilsbry, 1905 G2G3 AZ
Holospira cionella Pilsbry, 1905 G3Q AZ
Holospira cockerelli Dall, 1897 G1 NM
Holospira crossei Dall, 1895 G2 NM
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