Fluvidona orphana facts for kids

Fluvidona orphana is a tiny freshwater snail. It is a type of mollusc, which is a group of soft-bodied animals. This snail is so small that it is sometimes called a micromollusc. Like many snails, it has a special "trapdoor" called an operculum that can close its shell opening. This helps protect it from danger or drying out.

What's in a Name?

The name orphana comes from a Greek word meaning "orphan." Scientists chose this name for a sad reason. They believe that any other snails related to Fluvidona orphana in nearby areas might have disappeared. This could be because of land clearing for cities and towns. So, this snail might be the last of its kind in that region, like an orphan.

Where Does This Snail Live?

This special snail lives only in northern New South Wales, Australia. When a species lives only in one specific area, it is called endemic. You can find Fluvidona orphana in a place called Sea Acres Reserve near Port Macquarie.

It lives in a small stream within a part of a coastal rainforest. This rainforest is a "remnant," meaning it's a small piece left over from a much larger forest that used to be there. Unlike some other snails, Fluvidona orphana likes to crawl on palm fronds and other plants in the creek. It is quite common in this small area where it lives.