Blushing snail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Succinea sanctaehelenae |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Heterobranchia
clade Euthyneura clade Panpulmonata clade Eupulmonata clade Stylommatophora clade Elasmognatha |
| Superfamily: |
Succineoidea
|
| Family: |
Succineidae
|
| Subfamily: |
Succineinae
|
| Genus: |
Succinea
|
| Species: |
S. sanctaehelenae
|
| Binomial name | |
| Succinea sanctaehelenae Lesson, 1830
|
|
The Succinea sanctaehelenae is a special type of land snail. It belongs to the Succineidae family, often called the amber snails. People also know this snail as the blushing snail. It lives only on Saint Helena island. This island is in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Contents
Meet the Blushing Snail
The blushing snail is a unique creature. It is a type of gastropod. Gastropods are a group of animals that include snails and slugs. They are known for moving on a muscular "foot."
Where Does It Live?
This snail is endemic to Saint Helena. This means it is found naturally nowhere else in the world. Saint Helena is a small, isolated island. It is located far out in the South Atlantic Ocean.
What Does It Look Like?
Like other amber snails, the blushing snail likely has a shell. This shell is usually thin and somewhat see-through. Its body might be a yellowish or amber color. The name "blushing snail" could come from a reddish tint.
Snail Classification
Scientists group living things into categories. This helps us understand how they are related. The blushing snail fits into many groups.
Animal Kingdom
First, it is part of the Animalia kingdom. This means it is an animal. Animals are living things that move and eat other organisms.
Mollusc Phylum
Next, it belongs to the Mollusca phylum. Molluscs are soft-bodied animals. Many of them have a hard shell. Snails, clams, and octopuses are all molluscs.
Gastropod Class
Within molluscs, it is in the Gastropoda class. This class includes all snails and slugs. They are known for their single, coiled shell (if they have one). They also have a distinct head.
Amber Snail Family
Finally, it is part of the Succineidae family. These are the amber snails. They often live in damp places. You might find them near water or in moist forests.
Why Is It Special?
The blushing snail is important because it is endemic. This means it is a part of Saint Helena's unique wildlife. Endemic species are often very sensitive. They can be easily affected by changes to their home.
Conservation Status
The blushing snail's conservation status is "LR/nt." This means "Lower Risk/near threatened." This status comes from the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). It suggests the snail is not in immediate danger. However, it could become threatened in the future. This is why protecting its habitat is important.
