This species can be found in sympatry with up to three species of Austropyrgus (A. conicus, A. rectoides and A. lochi) throughout its range. It can be distinguished from the other Tasmanian species by its small size and broad, squat shell that has a convex outline. The only similar Tasmanian species is A. conicus, which is larger.
Austropyrgus mersus Clark, Miller & Ponder, 2003
Class Gastropoda
Infraclass Caenogastropoda
Order Littorinida
Suborder Rissoidina
Superfamily Truncatelloidea
Family Tateidae
Genus Austropyrgus Cotton, 1942
Original name: Austropyrgus mersus 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: Dip Falls, Dip River, Arthur River area, above falls, Tasmania (41°02.20' S 145°22.70' E).
This species is found on weeds, leaves, roots and stones and can be locally common.
Austropyrgus mersus occurs in a few small streams and rivers mainly around the Dip Falls area of northwest Tasmania.
Most species of Austropyrgus are geographically isolated and have restricted ranges, and this one has a rather small range.
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.
