Vertigo genesii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vertigo genesii |
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| Drawing of the shell of Vertigo genesii. | |
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Vertigo genesii, also known as the round-mouthed whorl snail, is a tiny land snail. It is a type of mollusc that breathes air and lives on land. These snails are so small that they are often called micromolluscs. They belong to a group of snails known as the whorl snails.
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What Does the Shell Look Like?
The shell of the Vertigo genesii is very small. It has an oval shape and a dull, purplish-brown color. You might see faint lines on its shiny surface.
This snail's shell has about 4 and a half whorls, which are the spiral turns of the shell. These turns are quite rounded and grow quickly. They are connected by a slightly sunken line called a suture. The second-to-last whorl is usually the largest and looks a bit swollen.
The opening of the shell, called the aperture, is almost round, like a square with rounded corners. It does not have any folds inside. The edge of the opening, called the peristome, is slightly spread out and feels thicker, like a lip. It has a bluish-black border. The edges of the opening are joined by a very thin, hardened area. The right side of the opening is curved where it connects to the rest of the shell.
The shell of an adult snail is very tiny. It is usually about 1.03 to 1.20 millimeters wide. Its height is typically between 1.63 and 2.00 millimeters.
About the Snail's Body
The body of the Vertigo genesii snail is a dark, raven-black color. Its tentacles, which are like feelers, are short and look like they are squeezed in the middle.
Where Do These Snails Live?
The Vertigo genesii snail lives in various parts of Europe. It is also found in the British Isles.
- British Isles: In the United Kingdom, it is considered an endangered species.
- Continental Europe: You can find this snail in countries like Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Protecting the Vertigo genesii
This snail is listed on the IUCN red list, which tracks the conservation status of species around the world. It is also mentioned in Annex II of the European Union's Habitats Directive. This means it is a species that needs special protection to help it survive and thrive in its natural habitats.
