Wainuia sp.

Wainuia sp. is an as yet undescribed species of air-breathing predatory land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc in the family Rhytididae.

Distribution

This land snail is endemic to the Fiordland region of the South Island of New Zealand. This species, although unnamed, has been collected from northern Fiordland since at least 1955.

Habitat

This species occupies a wide range of habitats: it is found under subalpine tussock, southern rātā, and silver beech stands, as well as mahoe-pigeonwood-kiekie groves.

Description

The most noticeable distinguishing characteristic of this species is a bright yellow mantle secretion.

References

• New Zealand Department of Conservation