List of non-marine molluscs of New Zealand facts for kids
New Zealand is home to many amazing creatures, including special types of molluscs that live on land or in freshwater. These are called non-marine molluscs. They include different kinds of snails and freshwater mussels. Some of the most famous ones are the large native forest snails like the Paryphanta (also known as kauri snails) and Powelliphanta snails. These snails are unique to New Zealand and are an important part of its natural environment.
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What are Non-Marine Molluscs?
Non-marine molluscs are soft-bodied animals, often with a hard shell, that live in freshwater or on land. They are different from marine molluscs, which live in the ocean. In New Zealand, you can find many types of these creatures, from tiny snails to larger, more noticeable ones.
Freshwater Snails: Tiny Explorers of Rivers and Lakes
Freshwater snails are a type of gastropod that live in New Zealand's rivers, lakes, and streams. They play an important role in these watery habitats. Some families of freshwater snails found here include:
- Tateidae: Many species in this family, like Catapyrgus jamyi and Opacuincola gretathunbergae, are found in New Zealand.
- Latiidae: This family has only one group, Latia, which is found only on the North Island. An example is Latia neritoides.
- Lymnaeidae: These are common freshwater snails.
- Planorbidae: This family includes snails like Planorbis kahuica.
Land Snails: Hidden Gems of the Forest Floor
Land snails are another type of gastropod that live on land, often in forests or damp areas. New Zealand has many unique land snails, some of which are quite large and colourful. Here are some of the families you might find:
- Hydrocenidae: An example is Omphalorissa purchasi.
- Orthalicidae: This family includes snails like Placostylus ambagiosus.
- Pupinidae: This family has many species, including various Cytora and Liarea snails, such as Cytora annectens and Liarea aupouria.
- Punctidae: Examples include Laoma leimonias and Paralaoma servilis.
- Rhytididae: This family is famous for the large, carnivorous (meat-eating) snails like Paryphanta and Powelliphanta. All Powelliphanta, Rhytida, Schizoglossa, and Wainuia species are found only in New Zealand.
- Charopidae: This is a very diverse family with many species, such as Allodiscus dimorphus and Flammulina zebra.
- Helicidae: This family includes the common garden snail, Cornu aspersum, which was introduced to New Zealand.
Freshwater Mussels: Bivalves of New Zealand's Waters
Besides snails, New Zealand also has freshwater mussels. These are molluscs with two shells that hinge together. They live in rivers and lakes and filter water, helping to keep the environment clean.
- Hyriidae: This family includes species like Cucumerunio websteri.
Protecting New Zealand's Molluscs
Many of New Zealand's non-marine molluscs are unique and found nowhere else in the world. This makes them very special, but also vulnerable. Protecting their habitats, like forests and clean waterways, is important to ensure these amazing creatures continue to thrive.
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The Exclusive Economic Zone of the Realm of New Zealand
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