Sonorella allynsmithi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sonorella allynsmithi |
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Maricopella allynsmithi |
The Sonorella allynsmithi, also known as the Phoenix Talussnail, is a special kind of land snail found only in Arizona, United States. It's a small snail that lives in rocky places and has some unique ways of surviving in dry weather.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
This snail has a shiny, round shell. It can be grayish or brownish white. The shell can grow up to about 1.9 centimeters wide. That's less than an inch!
The snail's body is dark gray or black. It has tiny copper-colored spots. These spots are usually found along its "skirt" (the edge of its foot) and on the tip of its tail.
Where Does It Live?
The Phoenix Talussnail makes its home on rocky mountain slopes. It likes to hide in piles of loose rocks, called talus, and in rockslides. These rocky spots give it shelter.
This snail needs rocks that are rich in calcium carbonate. This is because calcium carbonate helps the snail build its shell. It's like a building block for their homes!
The snail lives among many desert plants. These include the tall saguaro cactus and the yellow paloverde tree. Other plants it lives near are brittlebush and creosote bush.
How Does It Survive Dry Times?
Arizona can get very dry and hot. When conditions are dry, the snail needs to protect itself. It seals the opening of its shell tightly onto a solid rock. This helps it avoid drying out. This process is called "estivation." It's like a long nap to survive the heat.
How Does It Reproduce?
The Phoenix Talussnail is a hermaphrodite. This means that each snail has both male and female reproductive parts. Usually, when two snails mate, both of them become fertilized. This allows both snails to lay eggs.
The snail lays its eggs in moist places. Sometimes, it can even hold onto its eggs until it rains. This helps make sure the eggs have enough moisture to develop. The eggs have tiny calcite crystals inside their capsules. Sometimes, these crystals can even form a small shell around the egg.
Where Was It Discovered?
This snail species was first found in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It lives in the mountains of Maricopa County.
