Crikey steveirwini facts for kids

The Crikey steveirwini is a special kind of land snail. It breathes air and is a mollusc from the gastropod family called Camaenidae. This snail is the only known species in its entire genus, which is also named Crikey.

Meet the Crikey Snail!

This unique snail is a fascinating creature. It lives on land, unlike many snails that live in water. Being a gastropod means it's part of a large group of molluscs that includes snails and slugs. The Crikey steveirwini is quite rare and has some interesting features.

Why is it Called "Crikey"?

The snail's scientific name, steveirwini, honors a famous Australian wildlife expert, Steve Irwin. He was known as the "Crocodile Hunter" and sadly passed away in 2006. The genus name, Crikey, comes from Steve Irwin's favorite exclamation, "Crikey!" This word is a popular Australian saying.

A scientist named John Stanisic described this snail species. He works at the Queensland Museum and was recognized for his environmental work in 2010. Naming new species after people or their famous phrases is a way to remember their contributions.

Where Does This Snail Live?

The Crikey steveirwini snail lives in the north-eastern part of Queensland, Australia. This area is famous for its amazing tropical rain forests. These forests are also known as the Wet Tropics.

This snail is an arboreal species. This means it lives in trees, not on the ground. Scientists have found it at very high places, sometimes over 1,000 meters (about 3,280 feet) above sea level. Its tree-dwelling lifestyle helps it avoid predators on the forest floor.

What Does it Look Like?

The Crikey steveirwini is a small and rare snail. Its shell has a high, pointed top, which is called a spire. The shell is a creamy yellow color. It also has pretty coppery brown bands that spiral around it.

This snail can grow up to about 15 millimeters (about 0.6 inches) in size. That's roughly the length of a small fingernail! Its unique appearance helps it blend into its rainforest home.