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Amastra variegata

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Amastra variegata is a terrestrial snail species belonging to the family Amastridae.

A picture of the Variegata taken by Joel Sartore at the Snail Extinction Prevention Program in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Amastra variegata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Stylommatophora
Family: Amastridae
Genus: Amastra
Species:
A. variegata
Binomial name
Amastra variegata
(Pfeiffer, 1849)

Description

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The shell of Amastra variegata is reddish-brown with darker variegated bands, hence the specific epithet "variegata". Its body is translucent brown.[1]

Distribution and habitat

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Amastra variegata is endemic to Oahu, Hawaii, found in the Wai‘anae Mountains. It was believed to be extinct until recently, when a population was rediscovered at the bottom of a steep gulch in northern Wai'anae.[1] This species is also one of the rarest mollusks in the world.[1]

Threats

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Though this species is not federally or state listed as endangered but it is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN red list. [1] It is vulnerable and susceptible to predation by rats and chameleons.

Diet

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Amastra variegata is a detritivore, feeding on dead and decaying native plants.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Amastra". dlnr.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
  2. ^ "Meet the Snails". dlnr.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-21.