Austropyrgus wombeyanensis Clark, Miller & Ponder, 2003

Diagnostic features

This is one of several species of Austropyrgus found in the southern half of New South Wales. They are all very similar, being separated on small differences in size and shape of the shells and in anatomical details. They have elongate-conic shells with adults having a slightly thickened aperture and the operculum bears several pegs. Most species of Austropyrgus are geographically isolated and have restricted ranges. This is one of three species found in the vicinity of Wombeyan Caves. This species differs from the others in its larger, dark-coloured shell which has more convex whorls.

Classification

Austropyrgus wombeyanensis Clark, Miller & Ponder, 2003

Class Gastropoda

Infraclass Caenogastropoda

Order Littorinida

Suborder Rissoidina

Superfamily Truncatelloidea

Family Tateidae

Genus Austropyrgus Cotton, 1942

Original name: Austropyrgus wombeyanensis 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: Mares Forest Ck, below Wombeyan Quarry, Wombeyan Caves, New South Wales.

Biology and ecology

On water weeds, hard substrata (rocks etc.) and crawling on sediment. Can be locally abundant. Assumed to feed by scraping bacteria and microalgae. Presumed solitary capsules with single egg. Direct development.

Distribution

Known from a few small streams at and around Wombeyan Caves, New South Wales.

Notes

Most species of Austropyrgus are geographically isolated and have restricted ranges, and this one is no exception.

Further reading

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.