Pyrenaearia cotiellae facts for kids
Pyrenaearia cotiellae is a special kind of land snail. It belongs to a family called Hygromiidae, which includes snails often known as "hairy snails." This snail is unique because it lives only in one specific place: the Cotiella mountain range in the Spanish Pyrenees in Spain. This means it's an endemic species, found nowhere else in the world!
Quick facts for kids Pyrenaearia cotiellae |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Heterobranchia
clade Euthyneura clade Panpulmonata clade Eupulmonata clade Stylommatophora informal group Sigmurethra |
| Superfamily: |
Helicoidea
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| Family: |
Hygromiidae
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| Genus: |
Pyrenaearia
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| Species: |
P. cotiellae
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| Binomial name | |
| Pyrenaearia cotiellae Fagot, 1906
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| Synonyms | |
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Pyrenaeania cotiellae Fagot, 1906 [orth. error] |
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Where the Cotiella Snail Lives
This snail has only been found in one small area. It lives high up in the mountains, between 2,000 and 2,900 meters (about 6,500 to 9,500 feet) above sea level. The total area where it lives is smaller than 20 square kilometers (about 7.7 square miles).
Its Mountain Home
The Cotiella snail makes its home in rocky places. It likes to hide in cracks and crevices found in limestone rocks. This type of habitat provides shelter and protection for the snail.
How the Snail Lives
The Cotiella snail is active when its surroundings are wet and moist. This is when it moves around and looks for food. However, when conditions become dry or snowy, the snail becomes inactive. It likely stays hidden in its rocky cracks during these times.
Staying Safe
Scientists believe the number of Cotiella snails is currently stable. But there is a possible threat to its home. Changes to its habitat caused by climate change could make it harder for these snails to survive. Protecting its mountain home is important for its future.
See also
In Spanish: Pyrenaearia cotiellae para niños
