Powelliphanta rossiana gagei, 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 at altitudes of between 2,500 and 3,500 ft on the hills to the east of Greymouth and Reefton in Westland in the South Island.

Shell description

The shell is similar in shape and coloration to Powelliphanta rossiana fletcheri but reaches a larger adult size, and has dense fine irregular striations on the dorsal surface.

The shell diameter is up to 42 mm, and the height is up to 24 mm.

Conservation status

Powelliphanta rossiana gagei is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as being Nationally Critical.

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