Powelliphanta gilliesi fallax, 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 species is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found only in the West Nelson area.

Shell description

The general shell coloration is a sombre greenish-brown to chocolate, with the dorsal surface and periphery narrowly lined in dark brown and greenish. The parietal callus is dark purplish-brown.

The major shell diameter is up to 48 mm, and height up to 25 mm.

Conservation status

Powelliphanta gilliesi compta is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as being in National Decline.

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