Amastra micans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amastra micans |
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Amastra micans is a special kind of land snail. People often call it the Amastrid land snail. It's a tiny mollusk that lives on land.
This snail is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. This means it lives naturally only there. You can mostly find it in the Waianae Mountains on the island of Oahu. Sadly, Amastra micans is a critically endangered species. This means it is very close to disappearing forever.
What Does Amastra micans Look Like?
Amastra micans is a small to medium-sized snail. Its shell is usually about 15 millimeters (about half an inch) tall. It is also about 9 millimeters wide.
The shell has a long, cone-like shape. It spirals in a right-handed direction, like most snail shells. The very top of the shell is pointed. The shell surface feels smooth and looks shiny.
These snails have many different colors and patterns on their shells. They are often light brown to dark brown. The pointed top of their shell is usually white or cream-colored.
Amastra micans snails help clean up nature. They eat waste materials found in their habitat.
Where Do They Live?
Amastra micans snails are found only in the Hawaiian Islands. They live specifically on the island of Oahu. You can find them mainly in the Waianae Mountains.
These snails like to live on leaves and trees. They are often found in the leaf litter on the ground. This is especially true under the native Hawaiian tree called Pipturus albidus.
Why Are They Endangered?
Amastra micans is a critically imperiled species. This means it faces many dangers that threaten its survival. The biggest problems are losing their natural homes and being eaten by other animals.
Good news! People have worked hard to help these snails. The Hawaii State Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the Bishop Museum have helped. They moved some snails to a protected area.
Now, Amastra micans only live in the central part of the Waianae Mountains. This protected habitat helps them survive and hopefully grow their numbers again.
