This species belongs to the Austropyrgus sparsus group, whose members are characterised by the following shell features: small to medium-sized shells, conical, with convex to slightly convex whorls. In females, the coiled oviduct is of an inverted U-shape or with two or more bends, loops or twists.
Austropyrgus flindersensis differs from other members of the group in the following combination of characters: shell small to medium in size, with slightly convex to convex whorls and outer lip with slight reflection; coiled oviduct and bursal duct join well behind posterior pallial wall; female genital opening of medium length.
Austropyrgus flindersensis Clark, Miller & Ponder, 2003
Class Gastropoda
Infraclass Caenogastropoda
Order Littorinida
Suborder Rissoidina
Superfamily Truncatelloidea
Family Tateidae
Genus Austropyrgus Cotton, 1942
Original name: Austropyrgus flindersensis Clark, Miller & Ponder, 2003. In Clark, S. A., Miller, A. C. & Ponder, W. F. (2003). Revision of the snail genus Austropyrgus (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae): A morphostatic radiation of freshwater gastropods in southeastern Australia. Records of the Australian Museum Supplement 28: 1–109.
Type locality: Moro Springs in Moro Gorge, Flinders Ranges, South Australia.
This species occurs in springs and streams. It is typically found on weeds and leaves and can be locally common. Assumed to feed by scraping bacteria and microalgae. Lay solitary capsules containing a single egg. Direct development.
This species is found in the streams and springs of the northern and central parts of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia.
Most species of Austropyrgus are geographically isolated and have restricted ranges, and this one is no exception. It is not found in sympatry with any other species of Austropyrgus. However, it shows some variation in shell size and shape over its currently recognized range and additional taxa may eventually be recognized, particularly as several populations are known from isolated, widely separated springs.
Clark, S. A., Miller, A. C. & Ponder, W. F. (2003). Revision of the snail genus Austropyrgus (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae): a morphostatic radiation of freshwater gastropods in southeastern Australia. Records of the Australian Museum 28: 1–109.
