Land Snails

Photo(s): Images of Oxyloma subeffusum shells and live animals from Pilsbry (1948), with permission of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Images of the type specimen © Francisco Borerro/ANSP at Drexel University.

Click photo(s) to enlarge.

Oxyloma subeffusum (Pilsbry, 1948)

Family: Succineidae
Common name: Chesapeake Ambersnail

Identification
Height: 10-14 mm
Whorls: 2+

The shell of Oxyloma subeffusum is very fragile and has a very short spire. It is much like O. effusum but smaller. The length of the aperture in relation to the overall shell length is intermediate between O. effusum and O. retusum – approximately 3/4. On the glossy surface, growth-wrinkles can be seen. The basal margin of the aperture is rounded.

Ecology
Oxyloma subeffusum can be found near ponds, rivers, and marshes, especially in muddy areas (Hubricht 1985).

Taxonomy
A synonym for O. subeffusum is O. effusa subeffusa

Distribution
As indicated by its common name, Oxyloma subeffusum is found in the region of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas, from Pennsylvania to Virginia. However, its distribution is not entirely clear due to confusion with its close relatives.

NatureServe Global Rank: G3
NatureServe State Rank: S1
Virginia’s wildlife action plan: Tier III

 

Meegan Winslow, Ken Hotopp 11/2012

Range Map (click to enlarge)