Leptoxis ampla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptoxis ampla |
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| Lectotype of Leptoxis ampla (MCZ 161803) | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Caenogastropoda
clade Sorbeoconcha |
| Superfamily: |
Cerithioidea
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| Family: |
Pleuroceridae
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| Genus: |
Leptoxis
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| Species: |
L. ampla
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| Binomial name | |
| Leptoxis ampla (Anthony, 1855)
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| Synonyms | |
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Anculosa ampla Anthony, 1855 (original combination) |
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The round rocksnail (scientific name: Leptoxis ampla) is a type of freshwater snail. It lives in water and has a gill to breathe. It also has a special "door" called an operculum to close its shell. This snail is a mollusk and belongs to the Pleuroceridae family.
This snail is found only in the United States, mainly in Alabama. Since 1998, it has been on the list of threatened species in the U.S. The IUCN Red List also calls Leptoxis ampla a vulnerable species. This means it is at risk of becoming endangered.
Contents
About the Round Rocksnail
The round rocksnail is a kind of pleurocerid snail. Its shell can grow to about 20 mm (0.8 in) long. The shell is mostly round, with an oval-shaped opening. The main part of the shell has a "shoulder" near the top. It might also have ridges or folds.
The shell can be yellow, dark brown, or olive green. It usually has four stripes that can be solid or broken. Scientists have studied the DNA of the round rocksnail. They found it is very similar to the painted rocksnail. Some think they might be closely related.
Where the Snail Lives
The round rocksnail used to live in many places. These included the Cahaba River and the Little Cahaba River in Bibb County, Alabama. It was also found in the Coosa River in Elmore County, Alabama. Other places included Big Canoe Creek, Kelly's creek, Ohatchee Creek, Yellowleaf Creek, and Waxahatchee Creek.
Today, the round rocksnail is found in fewer places. It lives in parts of the Cahaba River in Bibb and Shelby counties, Alabama. You can also find it in the lower parts of the Little Cahaba River. It also lives in the lower parts of Shade and Six-mile creeks in Bibb County.
Why the Snail is Disappearing
The round rocksnail has disappeared from over 90 percent of its old homes. This is mainly because many dams were built. These dams caused the rivers to flood. This flooded the snail's natural habitat in shallow, rocky areas called shoals.
Dams change how rivers work. They stop the water from flowing fast. This allows dirt and sand to build up where the snails live. The water chemistry also changes. For example, many dammed areas have too many nutrients. This can lead to low oxygen levels in the water. These changes make it hard for the snails to find food, breathe, and have babies.
Snail Life and Home
Habitat
Rocksnails breathe with their gills. They live in fast-moving water, like riffles and shoals. They attach themselves to rocks, gravel, or other hard surfaces.
Life cycle
Adult rocksnails do not move around much. Female snails likely glue their eggs onto stones in the same areas. We don't know how long round rocksnails live. However, a similar rocksnail in the Tennessee River lived for less than two years.
See also
In Spanish: Leptoxis ampla para niños
