Powelliphanta hochstetteri consobrina, 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 on Mount Duppa, and between Pelorus and Queen Charlotte Sounds, at the north of the South Island.

Shell description

This subspecies is similar to Powelliphanta hochstetteri bicolor but has a much wider basal dark zone and the ground colour is reddish-brown rather than yellowish-olive.

The major shell diameter is up to 63 mm, and height up to 30 mm.

Conservation status

Powelliphanta hochstetteri consobrina is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as being in Gradual 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