Powelliphanta superba prouseorum , 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 north of the South Island of New Zealand. Its habitat is forest, at altitudes of between 1,500 and 2,000 ft, between Kahurangi Point and Rocks Point of the West Nelson district.

Shell description

Powelliphanta superba prouseorum is the largest land snail in New Zealand. The shell is uniformly yellowish to old-gold in colour, with the distinctly granulated parietal callus and interior of the aperture dark brown.

The shell diameter is up to 90 mm, and height up to 38 mm.

Conservation status

Powelliphanta superba prouseorum is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as being Nationally Endangered.

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