Cytora hirsutissima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cytora hirsutissima |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Caenogastropoda
Informal group Architaenioglossa |
| Superfamily: |
Cyclophoroidea
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| Family: |
Pupinidae
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| Subfamily: |
Liareinae
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| Genus: |
Cytora
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| Species: |
C. hirsutissima
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| Binomial name | |
| Cytora hirsutissima (Powell, 1951)
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| Synonyms | |
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Murdochia hirsutissima Powell, 1951 |
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Cytora hirsutissima is a very tiny land snail species. It's a type of mollusc that lives on land, not in water. These snails have a special "door" called an operculum that can close off their shell. This helps them stay safe and keep moisture in. They belong to a group of snails called Gastropoda, which includes all snails and slugs. This particular snail is part of the Pupinidae family.
Contents
Where It Lives
This special snail species is found only in New Zealand. New Zealand is famous for its unique animals and plants, and Cytora hirsutissima is one of them! It lives in specific habitats there, often in damp, forested areas.
What It Looks Like
Cytora hirsutissima is a very small snail. Its shell is usually less than a centimeter long. The name "hirsutissima" means "very hairy" in Latin. This is because its shell can have tiny, hair-like structures, which are quite unusual for a snail! These hairs might help it blend in with its surroundings or collect moisture.
Its Life and Habits
Like many land snails, Cytora hirsutissima likely eats tiny bits of decaying plants, fungi, or algae found on the forest floor. They are important for the ecosystem because they help break down dead plant material, returning nutrients to the soil. Snails move slowly using a muscular "foot" and leave a trail of slime behind them. This slime helps them glide over surfaces and protects them from drying out.
Why It's Important
Every species, even a tiny snail like Cytora hirsutissima, plays a role in its environment. These snails are part of the amazing biodiversity of New Zealand. Studying them helps scientists understand more about how ecosystems work and how different species are connected. It also helps us learn about the history of life on Earth.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of Cytora hirsutissima is listed as "Data Deficient" (DD) by the IUCN. This means that scientists don't have enough information to know if its population is healthy or if it's at risk of disappearing. More research is needed to understand how many of these snails exist and what threats they might face. Protecting their natural habitats, like the forests of New Zealand, is important for their survival.
See also
In Spanish: Cytora hirsutissima para niños
