Land Snails
Photo(s): Views of a Mesomphix luisant shell © Dan Dourson
Click photo(s) to enlarge.
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Mesomphix luisant (Dourson, 2015)
Family: Zonitidae
Common name: Glossy Button
Identification
Width: 22-26 mm
Height: 14-19 mm
Whorls: 5
Spiral rows of papillae are a consistent feature of this newly described species’ shell, especially on the final whorl. The shell is heliciform, colored light brown often with darker streaks. The top of the shell is dull-glossy while the base is more polished. Engraved spiral striae are the strongest near the suture lines. Transverse striae are moderately developed - more pronounced than in M. cupreus but less than in M. vulgatus.
Ecology
This species appears to be restricted to rich hillsides below and amid limestone bluffs along the Greenbrier River, Greenbrier County, West Virginia and possibly along Huff Creek., Logan County, West Virginia. Mesomphix luisant is endemic to West Virginia.
Taxonomy
Mesomphix luisant is smaller and more globose than M. capnodes, with a slightly larger umbilicus and a glossier shell, especially at the base. It differs from M. cupreus in its well-developed spiral papillae on the final whorl and smaller umbilicus. Its name is derived from the French word meaning glossy, shining or gleaming.
Distribution
Currently, only known from Greenbrier County and possibly Logan County, West Virginia. Future surveys may reveal additional county records.
Conservation
NatureServe Global Rank: Not yet ranked; G1 recommended.
NatureServe State Rank: West Virginia, S1.
This newly-described species may be imperiled due to its apparent rarity.
Dan Dourson 5/2017
RANGE MAP (Click to enlarge)
