Helicopsis striata facts for kids
Helicopsis striata is a small, air-breathing land snail. It is a type of mollusk, which is a group of soft-bodied animals. This snail is known for its pretty shell. It lives on land and breathes air, just like us!
This snail is the main example for its group, called the Helicopsis genus.
Quick facts for kids Helicopsis striata |
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| Shell of Helicopsis striata (specimen at MNHN, Paris) | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Helicopsis
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| Species: |
striata
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| Synonyms | |
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What's in a Name?
For a long time, scientists thought there were three different types, or subspecies, of Helicopsis striata. These were:
- Helicopsis striata austriaca
- Helicopsis striata hungarica
- Helicopsis striata striata
However, after more study, scientists decided in 2018 that H. austriaca and H. hungarica are actually their own separate species. So now, Helicopsis striata refers to just one main type.
Where Does It Live?
This snail lives only in Central Europe. You can find Helicopsis striata in these countries:
- Germany
- Austria, especially in an area called Steinfeld
- Sweden
- The Czech Republic, mainly in Bohemia
- Slovakia
- Poland
Some snails found in other countries, like Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Russia, were once thought to be Helicopsis striata. But scientists later found out they are actually different species. These include Helicopsis lunulata or Helicopsis filimargo.
