Bithynia manonellesi facts for kids

Bithynia manonellesi is a tiny freshwater snail. It belongs to a group of animals called molluscs, which also includes clams and octopuses. This snail lives in fresh water, like rivers and lakes.

Like many snails, Bithynia manonellesi has a special "trapdoor" called an operculum. This hard plate helps it close off its shell. It protects the snail from danger and keeps it from drying out. This snail also has a gill, which it uses to breathe underwater.

Where Does It Live?

This special snail is found in a specific place. It lives only in the Balearic Islands. These islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Spain. This means Bithynia manonellesi is an endemic species to the Balearic Islands. It is not found naturally anywhere else in the world.

What Are Snails?

Snails are amazing creatures. They are a type of gastropod, which means "stomach-foot." This name comes from how their body is arranged. Snails move by gliding on a muscular "foot" located under their body. They leave a trail of slime as they go. This slime helps them move smoothly and protects them from sharp surfaces.

Most snails have a spiral shell. This shell grows with the snail and acts like a home. It protects their soft body from predators and bad weather. Snails play an important role in their ecosystems. They often eat algae and decaying plant matter. This helps keep their freshwater homes clean.

See also

In Spanish: Bithynia manonellesi para niños