Obelus despreauxii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Obelus despreauxii |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
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clade Heterobranchia
clade Euthyneura clade Panpulmonata clade Eupulmonata clade Stylommatophora informal group Sigmurethra |
| Superfamily: |
Helicoidea
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| Family: |
Geomitridae
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| Genus: |
Obelus
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| Species: |
O. despreauxii
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| Binomial name | |
| Obelus despreauxii d'Orbigny, 1839
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Obelus despreauxii is a small, air-breathing land snail found in Europe. It's a type of mollusk that belongs to the family Geomitridae. These snails are known for living on land and breathing air, just like us!
This special snail species lives only in the Canary Islands. This means it is endemic to these islands and can't be found naturally anywhere else in the world.
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What is Obelus despreauxii?
Obelus despreauxii is a fascinating creature. It's a type of gastropod, which is a large group of mollusks that includes snails and slugs. They are called "gastropods" because their foot (gaster) is also their stomach (podos).
Where do these snails live?
These unique snails are found only on the Canary Islands, a group of islands off the coast of Africa. The islands have a special climate and environment that allows this snail to thrive. Being endemic means they are a very important part of the local ecosystem.
How big are these snails?
Obelus despreauxii is considered a small snail. Like many land snails, it has a shell that it carries on its back. This shell helps protect the snail from predators and from drying out.
Discovery of Obelus despreauxii
This snail was first officially described in 1839 by a scientist named Alcide d'Orbigny. When a new species is described, scientists give it a unique name, often based on Latin or Greek words. The name Obelus despreauxii helps scientists around the world know exactly which snail they are talking about.
Why are scientific names important?
Using scientific names like Obelus despreauxii is important because it avoids confusion. Different countries might have different common names for the same animal. A scientific name is universal, meaning scientists everywhere use the same name.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of Obelus despreauxii is listed as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN. This means that the species is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Why are some species vulnerable?
Species can become vulnerable for many reasons. This often includes habitat loss due to human activities, climate change, or the introduction of new species that compete for food or prey on the snails. Protecting their natural homes in the Canary Islands is key to helping them survive.
See also
Images for kids
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A close-up view of Obelus despreauxii.
