|
Megalobulimus dryades
Megalobulimus dryades is a species of air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial gastropod mollusc in the family Strophocheilidae. Described in 2021 by Fontenelle, Simone, and Cavallari, it is endemic to the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, specifically in the Vale do Ribeira region, encompassing the states of São Paulo and Paraná.[1] DescriptionThis species is characterized by a large shell exhibiting pronounced rugosities and a malleated surface on the teleoconch whorls. The protoconch is notably darker, featuring a distinct lighter subsutural band, with microsculpture composed of granules and macrosculpture of well-defined axial riblets that branch apically near the suture. The peristome is uniformly white, and the columella is oblique and slightly convex. Previously, specimens with these characteristics were often misidentified as Megalobulimus gummatus, a species now known to be restricted to the state of Rio de Janeiro.[1] Internally, Megalobulimus dryades possesses distinctive jaw and radular features, and a long, convoluted penis bearing two flagella. The head-foot of M. dryades is lighter in color, exhibiting a white-greyish hue, contrasting with related species.[1] Distribution A species endemic to Brazil, Megalobulimus dryades primarily inhabits the middle and lower Rio Ribeira do Iguape Basin in southern São Paulo and northeastern Paraná in the Atlantic Forest Biome. It exhibits a high environmental tolerance, which may have facilitated its spread. Notably, its shells have been utilized in local handicrafts, potentially contributing to its distribution. There are also records of its presence in Santa Catarina state, previously misidentified as M. gummatus.[1] ConservationWhile specific conservation assessments for M. dryades are not detailed in the available literature, its endemism to the Atlantic Forest, a biome facing significant environmental pressures, highlights the importance of habitat preservation.[1] References
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
