Powelliphanta rossiana fletcheri, 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 at altitudes of between 3,000 and 4,000 ft on the eastern side of Lake Kaniere in Westland in the South Island.

Shell description

The shell has a much flatter spire than in other Powelliphanta rossiana subspecies. It is equally smooth and glossy, but with a more open umbilicus. The coloration is russet-brown, with widely spaced, broad, dark sepia axial stripes.

The shell diameter is up to 36 mm, and the height is up to 20 mm.

Conservation status

Powelliphanta rossiana fletcheri is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as being Range Restricted.

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