Powelliphanta gilliesi compta, known as one of the amber snails, is a subspecies of large, carnivorous land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc in the family Rhytididae.

Distribution

This subspecies is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found only in the West Nelson area.

Shell description

The shell coloration is golden to sienna-brown with the dorsal surface and periphery spirally lined in dark-brown and with a secondary series in light green. The base is largely plain but with a slight deepening of tone, accompanied by crowded faint lines, around the umbilicus. The parietal callus is dark pinkish-grey, with a few scattered granulations within.

The major shell diameter is up to 48 mm, and height up to 28 mm.

Conservation status

Powelliphanta gilliesi compta is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as being Nationally Vulnerable.

References

• Powell A. W. B., New Zealand Mollusca, William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
• New Zealand Department of Conservation Threatened Species Classification