Powelliphanta lignaria ruforadiata, 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 only found about 5 miles north of the Mokihinui River, extending down the north side of the Mokihinui River gorge.

Shell description

The ground colour is dark raw-umber and there is an axial pattern of broad, rather sparse, irregular, dark reddish-brown streaks.

The shell diameter is up to 47 mm, and height up to 29 mm.

Conservation status

Powelliphanta lignaria ruforadiata 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