Virginia Land Snails

Photo(s): Shell of Paravitrea capsella by Ken Hotopp ©.

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Paravitrea capsella (Gould, 1851)

Family: Pristilomatidae
Common name: Dimple Supercoil

Identification
Width: 5-6 mm
Height: 2.5-3.5 mm
Whorls: 7+

The shell of Paravitrea capsella is a shiny amber-colored dome. It is sculpted with widely-spaced radial striae. The umbilicus is deep and funnel-shaped, allowing for a narrow view of the inner whorls. The narrow, semi-lunar aperture has a thin, simple lip. Two sets of teeth inside the final whorl may sometimes be present in immature shells.

Ecology
This animal may be found in the leaf litter of rich forest habitats.

Taxonomy
Synonyms for P. capsella include Helix capsella, H. rotula, Vitrea capsella, and Zonites capsella.

Distribution
Paravitrea capsella is widespread, ostensibly. It has been reported throughout the Appalachian Mountains, from Ohio in the north to Alabama in the south. However, Hubricht (1985) states that P. capsella as recognized by Pilsbry and others is a complex of species.

NatureServe Global Rank: G4
NatureServe State Rank: S4

 

Meegan Winslow, Ken Hotopp 11/2012

Range Map