Land Snail Species Research Articles

Malacofaunal inventory in Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary, West Bengal, India

The knowledge on the floral and faunal composition of protected areas (PAs) is crucial for formulating suitable conservation plan. In this paper, inventory and species richness of non-marine molluscs of Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary has been made and is for the first time from any PA of West Bengal. A total of 276 specimens belonging to 22 species (10 species of land snails and 12 species of freshwater) of non-marine molluscs (land and freshwater) were collected and examined from this sanctuary. The malacofaunal inventory comprises of nine genera under seven families among land snails and 12 genera & seven families from both gastropods & bivalves under the freshwater forms. As far as species richness is concerned, the family Ariophantidae was found to be dominant among land forms whereas species of the families Thiaridae and Unionidae were dominant among freshwater forms.

Stable isotope analysis suggests low trophic niche partitioning among co‐occurring land snail species in a floodplain forest

AbstractLand snails are abundant invertebrates in many terrestrial ecosystems, playing an essential role in food webs and nutrient cycling. Although snails are commonly considered general grazers with a strong tendency to omnivory, their foraging strategy is well documented only for a few species. Virtually no data exist on trophic niche partitioning within snail assemblages. To fill this gap, we analyzed naturally occurring stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N), an approach widely applied in ecological research, but only rarely in terrestrial snail studies. We collected ten individuals of the dominant co‐occurring land snails (i.e., Aegopinella nitidula, Fruticicola fruticum, Oxyloma elegans, Succinea putris, Trochulus villosulus and Zonitoides nitidus) in a floodplain forest floor, along with their potential food sources and other invertebrates. All species, except for A. nitidula, showed high intraspecific variation in isotope signatures, indicating their opportunistic feeding behavior. Such a high intraspecific variation combined with the active movement range of all the species allows switching between food sources based on their accessibility. We observed that the trophic niches of the studied species highly overlapped, except for Z. nitidus. This suggests that trophic niche compartmentalization among co‐occurring species does not seem to be the mechanism to avoid competition for food. Virtually unlimited resources for snail food are assumed to explain the coexistence of many species in high‐density populations. Our results add to this concept of assembly rules in snail species by the finding of highly variable and overlapping trophic niches among the majority of the studied species.

Sequencing of Transcriptome and Small RNA Revealed the Xenobiotic Metabolism-Related Genes and Potential Regulatory miRNA in Asian Tramp Snail.

The Asian tramp snail, Bradybaena similaris (Ferusssac), is an invasive land snail species and has been a rising agricultural pest in south of China. As a pest, it also plays a role in transmission of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. However, present studies on this species are rare and the molecular information is limited. For this purpose, we sequenced the transcriptome and small RNA of B. similaris collected from citrus orchards. In total, 89,747 unigenes with an N50 size of 1287 bp and an average length of 817 bp were generated from ∼8.9 Gb transcriptome and 31 Mb clean reads were generated from ∼36 Mb small RNA library. To demonstrate the usefulness of these two datasets, we analyzed a series of genes associated with xenobiotic metabolism and core RNAi machinery. Analysis of the transcripts resulted in annotation of 126 putative genes encoding cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP, 45), carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCE, 13), glutathione-S-transferases (GST, 24), and ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC, 44). Analysis of the small RNA detected 42 miRNAs. In addition, four genes involved in small RNA pathways (miRNA, piRNA, and siRNA) were identified, and a total of 430 genes that can be targeted by miRNAs were predicted. Moreover, we found that a few miRNAs could target certain genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. Therefore, we believe that these two datasets and the characterization of the identified/predicted genes will facilitate the molecular study of this species as well as other land snails with agricultural importance.

Differences in the spermatozoa and ova of two species of giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina)

A comparative study of the gametes of two species of Giant African Land Snails; Archachatinu marginata and Achatina achatina was carried out. Three groups of snails weighing 80-100,101-150 and 151-250 g were used in a 3x2 factorial design, with 5 replicates, involving a total of 30 snails. Albumen gland, little hermaphrodite duct, spermotheca and ovo-testis were examined for the presence of ova and spermatozoa. The morphology of the spermatozoa and ova of both species Was studied. Ova were found in the albumen gland and ovo-testis. Spermatozou were only found in the little hermaphrodite duct. Spermatozoa head and tail lengths were not significantly (P>0.05) different between species, while the mid-piece length was significantly (P<0.05) different. Liveweight group 101-150 g had the highest number of spermatozoa and ova count in both species. Morphologically, spermatozoa head, collar and mid-piece crest differed between species Archachatina marginata spermatozoa had pointed head, longer collar and highest number of mid-piece crests compared to Achatina achatina. Ova seen in the ovo-testis of A. marginata were larger compared to those seen in A. achatina. It was concluded from the study that there are differences in the morphology and dimensions of their germ cells.

Economic analysis of two giant land snail marketing in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract The study examined the marketing and uses of two species of Giant African Land Snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina) in four (4) different market locations in Ibadan Oyo state, Nigeria. The data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire administered interpersonally to 160 snail marketers in four randomly selected markets in selected Local Government Area (LGA) situated in Ibadan. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools; these include frequencies, mean, median, mode and multiple regression. Findings from the socioeconomic characteristics revealed that majority (98.1 %) of the respondents were female and only 1.9 % were male. Majority (91.9 %) of marketers were married with 27.5 % in the 31–40 years age group. Majority (89.4 %) raised their capital through personal savings and had over 16 years of marketing experience. All respondents (100 %) were involved in wholesale marketing of different species of snail whereas 65 % of them were into both wholesale and retail marketing. Also, 88.8 % were engaged in marketing of both species only. Most (70 %) of the respondents’ generated income per year was between ₦10,000–₦49,999 ($26–$130). All marketers ascertained that the major purpose of snail is for consumption. Also, the budgetary analysis (costs and returns) revealed that marketing of Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina is a profitable business among the marketers with a high rate of return on investment. The most efficient market for both snail species was Sango market with efficiency values 1.77 and 1.82 for A. achatina and A. marginata, respectively. The coefficient of multiple determination, R2 value of 0.689 indicated that 68.9 % of the variation in the marketing price of snail is explained by transportation cost, cost price of snail and market tariff. The marketing efficiency was greater than one in all markets which showed that the markets were efficient in the marketing of Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina. The study concluded that snail marketing is profitable given the market efficiencies and rate of returns on investment. Policy recommendation towards reduction in cost of transportation and market tariff is suggested as this would bring about improved market efficiencies and more returns.

Nutritional value of the visceral mass of three giant African land snail species ( and )

Edible snails are very important as food and adequate information is available on their nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits. Though themore commonly consumed portion is the flesh, some people however consume the visceral mass, hence the need to determine its nutritional benefits. Two structures of the visceral mass (albumen gland and common hermaphrodite duct) of Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina and Achatina fulica were analyzed to determine their proximate, mineral, and antinutrient compositions.The albumen glands in the three snail species had higher protein (36.81±0.02% -42.69±0.02%) and carbohydrate contents (0.62±0.01% - 0.72±0.02%) than hermaphroditic duct, while the hermaphroditic ducts had the higher moisture content (78.46±0.02 ±0.01% - 80.55±0.01%). A margin at a had the highest total nutrients value and the highest total anti-nutrients value;A. achatina had the lowest total nutrients value and A. fulica had the lowest total ant-nutrients value. This study showed that the edible parts of the visceral mass are nutritious and suitable to be used as food and feed.

Comparative study of three species of giant African land snail

A comparative study was carried out on three breeds of snails in South Eastern Nigeria to assess their growth performance and body morphology. The three breeds used were A. Fulica, A. achatina and A. marginata. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain Concentrate + Pawpaw (Diet I), Concentrate + Moringa oleifera (Diet II), Concentrate + Moringa oleifera + African spinach + Amaranthus hybridus (Diet III) and Concentrate + Moringa oleifera + Amaranthus spinosus (Diet IV). Fifteen 6-month old growing snails of each breed were assigned per dietary treatment and each dietary treatment was replicated three times to contain five snails per replicate, given a total of one hundred and eighty snails. The experiment involved a 3 x 4 factorial experiment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum throughout the duration of the experiment which lasted (56 days). Parameters measured were body parameters which include body weight, body width, body length, aperture length and aperture width; growth performance parameters obtained were initial weight, final weight, average weekly weight gain, average weekly feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The results showed that the A. achatina and A. marginata similarly recorded higher values in body parameters than the A. fulica. The A. marginata however was longer (12.69 cm) than the 8.95 and 12.32 cm recorded for A. fulica and A. marginata gain was only influenced by interaction effect of the breed x diet. The A. marginata and A. fulica revealed higher foot weight 58.81% and 57.59% respectively in relation to their live weight, which was associated with lower % shell weight (17.17 and 22.33% respectively), whereas, the higher shell weight (36.18%). The highest foot weight (57.50%) was observed in snails fed diet I, associated with relatively high live weight and highly reduced offal weight, which makes it comparatively better in improving carcass. Based on overall interaction effects, diet I is recommended for A. fulica, while diet III for A. marginata and diet II for A. marginata. The A. marginata performed better than the A. achatina and A. fulica in body size (body length) and foot weight, thus recommended.

Taxonomic Key as A Simple Tool for Identifying and Determining the Abundant Terrestrial Snails in Egyptian Fields (Gastropoda, Pulmonata: Succineidae, Geomitridae, Helicidae, Hygromiidae)

Terrestrial snail collection that had been recorded in Egyptian fields, gardens and nurseries are reviewed and described with a clear description, pictures, and taxonomic data in addition to shell morphological characters that provided for every species. This study includes six terrestrial snails, Succinea (Amphibina) cleopatra (Pallary, 1909) (Succineidae), Cochlicella acuta (O. F. Muller, 1774), Xeropicta krynickii (Krynicki, 1833) (Geomitridae), Massylaea vermiculata (O.F. Muller 1774), Theba pisana (O. F. Muller, 1774) (Helicidae) and Monacha obstructa (L. Pfeiffer, 1842)(Hygromiidae) that are common to be observed in the Egyptian Agricultural fields. This report of land snail’s identification is based on the specimen’s shell morphology and their distribution through their activity season in multiple surveys whether through our research studies or previous research. This report is an attempt to deliver a comprehensive shell description and survey data of land snails as agricultural pests providing a well-defined taxonomic key to the species level. The taxonomical key can provide the growers with the essential data of identifying the land snail species that could be noticed in the crop fields, gardens, or ornamental plant nurseries.

Comparative study of the carcass characteristics and nutrient composition of three species of giant African land snail

A comparative study was carried out on three breeds of snails in southeastern Nigeria to assess their carcass characteristic and carcass nutrient compositions. The three breeds used were Achatina fulica, Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain concentrate + pawpaw (Diet I), concentrate + Moringa oleifera (Diet II), concentrate + Moringa oleifera+ African spinach + Amaranthus hybridus (Diet III) and concentrate + Moringa oleifera+Amaranthus spinosus (Diet IV). Fifteen 6-month old growing snails of each breed was assigned per dietary treatment and each dietary treatment was replicated three times to contain five snails per replicate, given a total of one hundred and eighty snails. The experiment involved a 3 x 4 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum throughout the duration of the experiment which lasted (56 days). At the end of the experiment, a total of seventy-two (72) snails were starved and slaughtered for carcass evaluation. Carcass nutrient compositions were measured including dry matter, moisture content, ash, crude fibre, crude protein, fat and nitrogen free extract. The results showed that the highest foot weight (57.50%) was observed in snails fed diet I, associated with relatively high live weight and highly reduced offal weight, which makes it comparatively better in improving carcass. The A. fulica, A achatina and A. marginata obtained best carcass composition respectively on diets I, III and II due to interaction effect of breed x diet. The A. achatina and A. marginata had higher dry matter (91.64 and 92.07 respectively) than the A fulica (90.09). The A. marginata carcass had the higher (p<0.05) crude protein (32.78%), highest ash (9.17%) and a moderate fat content (1.59%). Based on overall interaction effects, diet I is recommended for A. fulica, while diet III for A. marginata and diet II for A. marginata. The A. marginata performed better than the A. achatina and A. fulica in highest crude protein, highest ash and a moderate fat content and is thus recommended.

Biophysical, aestivation, Archachatina marginata, Archachatina papyracae, Achatina fulica

The experiment was conducted to determine the changes in the biophysical parameters during starvation in three common species of land snails identified in Edo and Delta States. A total of 252 matured healthy snails comprising three species (Archachatina marginata, Archachatina papyracae and Achatina fulica) were used. A completely randomized design was used in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement. At the end of two weeks acclimation period, feed and water were withdrawn for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Result shows that A. marginata has significantly (P<0.05) highest initial liveweight. A. papyracae had the least weight but was not significantly (P>0.05) different from the weight of A. fulica used in the study. During the 12 weeks of starvation, A. papyracae recorded the highest mortality rate of 24.58 %. A. marginata and A. fulica respectively recorded mortality rate of 9.05 and 6.52 %. A marginata reflected two stages of major weight decline; 2nd and 9th weeks. The A. papyracae and A. fulica however declined conspicuously only at the 1st week. The weight of the muscular foot which constitutes the edible portion of the three species decreased between 0, 4 and 8 weeks. There were no significant differences in weight in each of the three species. Twelveweeks aestivation eventually resulted in further and significant weight loss. The aestivation lengths did not affect the shell weight in the three species, except A. marginata with significant decline at the 12th week. This study indicates that A. marginata and A. fulica are bigger in size and more tolerant to extended starvation than A. papyracae.

Abundance and Diversity of Snails in Various Agroecosystems in District Multan, Pakistan

Snails are the second largest group of invertebrates after insects and make a major part of the world's fauna. There are 35,000 described species of land snails (subclass: Pulmonata) from class gastropods in the world. With the present scenario of climate change, their occurrence has been observed many-fold. Despite their economic importance, population diversity and distribution of these creatures on different host crops in Punjab Pakistan is not much more studies. For this purpose, the present study was conducted to identify the snail species and their diversity on different hosts in the agroecosystems of Multan. The snails were collected from different crops like wheat, vegetable (spinach), fodder, citrus orchard, and plant nurseries. A total of 8264 specimens were collected and preserved in the form of a dry shell and 70% alcohol in Ecology Lab, MNS - the University of Agriculture, Multan for identification purpose. The preserved specimens were identified under microscope using available taxonomic keys. Ariophanta bistrialis ceylanica, Ariophanta bistrialis cylix, Ariophanta solata, Oxychilus draparnaudi, Monacha catiana, Cernuella virgata, Pupoides abilabris and Oxyloma elegans were identified during the study. The highest and lowest population of Ariophanta bistrialis cylix (1592) and Ariophanta solata (446), respectively was recorded. The population diversity was found maximum in plant nurseries followed by fodder crop (Berseem) and citrus orchard while least in vegetable (Spinach) and wheat crop. The maximum population was found in July and August, while least in March and May. In the rainy season, the population of snails was recorded maximum as compared to the dry season.

Species composition, relative abundance, and distribution of land snail species in Mt. Lantoy Key Biodiversity Area, Cebu, Philippines

Abstract. Rosales R, Lillo E, Alcazar SM, Colita L, Caballero J, Malaki AB. 2020. Species composition, relative abundance, and distribution of land snail species in Mt. Lantoy Key Biodiversity Area, Cebu, Philippines. Biodiversitas 21: 5438-5447. This study aimed to establish an inventory of land snails in Mt. Lantoy, Cebu Island, Philippines. A two-person team conducted sampling on eight permanent plots with an elevation range of 182 m-691 m. The study has listed a total of 872 individuals represented by 25 species belonging to 15 genera and nine families. Seven families belong to the air-breathing pulmonate group, Order Stylommatophora: Bradybaenidae, Camaenidae, Trochomorphidae, Achatinidae, Ariophantidae, Helicarionidae, Helicinidae. Two families were under the prosobranch group, Order Caenogastopoda: Cyclophoridae, and Pupinidae. The Cyclophoridae was the richest family with five species, followed by Bradybaenidae, Camaenidae, Helicinidae, having four species. The Trochomorphidae and Helicarionidae have three species. The Pupinidae has two species, while the Achatinidae and Ariophantidae has one species each. There were three (3) endemic and ten (10) new island record species collected and identified with four (4) species that were classified as rare. Rysotta otaheitana Ferussac 1821 was the most abundant, representing 25.22% of the total number of individuals. The Leptoma nitidum ancilis Bartsch 1918 has the widest geographical distribution with a constancy rate of 100%. Widespread species appear to be more abundant, while other species were geographically restricted in few study areas.

Speciation in sympatric species of land snails from the genus Trochulus (Gastropoda, Hygromiidae)

AbstractThe identification and designation of land snail species in the genus Trochulus on the basis of shell characteristics are problematic because of their great phenotypic plasticity. Some genetic analyses have proved inconclusive, with much variation within populations and apparent gene flow among them. We examined this issue by morphometric and molecular approaches on the morphologically similar species T. coelomphala, T. hispidus and T. striolatus, co‐occurring in the Alpenvorland of Germany. While these species differed in shell and reproductive system morphology, there were forms that turned out intermediate in shell characters between T. coelomphala and T. hispidus but had genital morphology similar to T. coelomphala. Phylogenetic analysis, however, showed that these forms clustered neither with T. coelomphala nor T. hispidus but are sister to T. striolatus from the same region, which suggests that they evolved by way of sympatric speciation. Further, these analyses suggest that T. coelomphala diverged within T. hispidus; a crossing experiment indicated that they were interfertile. Expanding the study to include all available Trochulus sequences enabled us to infer evolutionary relationships between them and showed that T. hispidus is polyphyletic. Some Trochulus samples of one nominal species were grouped within others. The combination of phenotypic plasticity and possible mitochondrial DNA introgression illustrates the complex nature of evolutionary processes and the need for caution in the application of traditional taxonomic practice.

Catalogue of New Zealand land, freshwater and estuarine molluscan taxa named by Frederick Wollaston Hutton between 1879 and 1904.

Details are provided on 16 land snail genera, eight freshwater molluscan species, one estuarine species, 47 land snail species and varieties from New Zealand, and a further three land snail species putatively from New Zealand, which were described by Frederick Wollaston Hutton between 1879 and 1904. Original primary type material of 54 species was located during the present study. Lectotypes are designated for: Amphidoxa cornea Hutton, 1882, Amphidoxa jacquenetta Hutton, 1883, Amphidoxa perdita Hutton, 1883, Charopa cassandra Hutton, 1883, Cyclotus charmian Hutton, 1883, Fruticicola adriana Hutton, 1883, Gerontia cordelia Hutton, 1883, Gerontia pantherina Hutton, 1882, Microphysa pumila Hutton, 1882, Patula jessica Hutton, 1883, Patula lucetta Hutton, 1884, Patula sylvia Hutton, 1883, Patula tapirina Hutton, 1882, Pfeifferia cressida Hutton, 1883, Phrixgnathus celia Hutton, 1883, Phrixgnathus haasti Hutton, 1883, Phrixgnathus marginatus Hutton, 1882, Phrixgnathus phrynia Hutton, 1883, Rhytida australis Hutton, 1882, Strobila leiodon Hutton, 1882, Thalassia propinqua Hutton, 1882, Therasia thaisa Hutton, 1883, Therasia valeria Hutton, 1883 and Zonites helmsii Hutton, 1882. A neotype is designated for Rhytida citrina Hutton, 1882. Primary type material of the following taxa is figured herein for the first time: Amphidoxa lavinia Hutton, 1883, Cyclotus charmian Hutton, 1883, Fruticicola adriana Hutton, 1883, Leptopoma pannosa Hutton, 1882, Patula lucetta Hutton, 1884, Patula sylvia Hutton, 1883, Patula tapirina Hutton, 1882, Phacussa helmsi var. maculata Hutton, 1884, Phrixgnathus ariel Hutton, 1883, Phrixgnathus celia Hutton, 1883, Rhytida australis Hutton, 1882, Rissoa vana Hutton, 1873, Testacella vagans Hutton, 1882, Trochomorpha hermia Hutton, 1883 and Zonites helmsii Hutton, 1882. New taxonomic combinations introduced herein include Phacussa lucetta (Hutton, 1884) and Therasia propinqua (Hutton, 1882). Amphidoxa lavinia Hutton, 1883, Charopa cassandra Hutton, 1883, Patula timandra Hutton, 1883 and Trochomorpha hermia Hutton, 1883 are treated as junior synonyms of Tasmaphena sinclairii (Pfeiffer, 1846), Phacussa fulminata (Hutton, 1882), Fectola infecta (Reeve, 1852) and Advena campbellii (Gray, 1834), respectively.

DIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY OF LAND SNAILS IN GUNUNG HALIMUN SALAK NATIONAL PARK (GHSNP) IN JAVA, INDONESIA

The land snail fauna of the largest tropical montane forest in Java, the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP), was surveyed during the dry season (June-July) in 2015, concentrating on four park’s resorts, i.e. Cikaniki, Mt. Botol, Cisarua (Halimun area) and Cidahu (Salak area). In total, 399 specimens representing 43 species were collected. Prior to the surveys, 48 land snail species were known from the GHSNP. Fifteen new records for the GHSNP were discovered so 63 species are now known to inhabit the Park. This number represent 25% of the total land snail fauna of Java. 21 of the species found in GHSNP are endemic to Java. The species richness of the plots in GHSNP was correlated with soil pH and the composition of the land snail communities was correlated with elevation, annual mean temperature, and amount of deadwood.

Eastern Australian land snail species closely related to Austrochloritis porteri (Cox, 1868), with description of a new species (Mollusca, Eupulmonata, Camaenidae)

Eastern Australian land snail species closely related to Austrochloritis porteri (Cox, 1868), with description of a new species (Mollusca, Eupulmonata, Camaenidae)

Ridleyconcha Christensen, Gen. Nov., a Replacement Name for the Land Snail Genus Ridleya Ancey, 1901 (Mollusca: Scolodontidae), a Junior Homonym of Ridleya Delage & Hérouard, 1899 (Porifera: Polymastiidae)

Ridleyconcha Christensen, gen. nov., is proposed as a replacement for RidleyaAncey, 1901 (Mollusca: Scolodontidae), a junior homonym of RidleyaDelage & Herouard, 1899 (Porifera: Polymastiidae). Ridleyconcha is a monotypic species of land snails inhabiting the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil; its sole species is Ridleyconcha quinquelirata (E.A. Smith, 1890), new combination.

Overlooked but not forgotten: the first new extant species of Hawaiian land snail described in 60 years, Auriculella gagneorum sp. nov. (Achatinellidae, Auriculellinae).

Recent surveys of Oahu’s Waianae Mountains uncovered a small, previously undescribed species of Auriculella that is conchologically similar to the three members of the A.perpusilla group all of which are endemic to the Koolau Mountain Range. However, sequence data demonstrate that the perpusilla group is not monophyletic. Moreover, the new species is not closely related to A.perpusilla or A.perversa, the only extant members of the group, but instead is sister to A.tenella, a species from the high spired A.castanea group. A neotype is designated for A.auricula, the type species of Auriculella; all members of the conchologically similar perpusilla group are anatomically redescribed; and lectotypes designated for A.minuta, A.perversa, and A.tenella. The new species is described and compared to the type of the genus, members of the perpusilla group, and the genetically similar species A.tenella.

Annotated checklist of the land snail fauna from southern Cambodia (Mollusca, Gastropoda).

Prior to this study, few collections and records were made of the land snails in Cambodia and the historical taxa had never been reviewed. Herein a report on the land snail diversity based on specimens collected recently from karstic and non-karstic areas in southern Cambodia is provided. This checklist presents 36 species of land snails (two Neritimorpha, six Caenogastropoda, and 28 Heterobranchia). Illustrations and brief taxonomic notes/remarks are provided for every species. We also described Georrisa carinata Sutcharit & Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov. based on some distinct shell morphological characters. Since the first descriptions during the colonial period in the nineteenth century, some land snail species (e.g., Trichochloritis norodomiana, Durgella russeola, Anceyoconcha siamensis obesulacomb. nov., Anceyoconcha chaudoensiscomb. nov., and Succinea tenuis) have not been reported subsequently. This probably reflects a lack of knowledge concerning land snail biodiversity in this country. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive survey of land snails in southern Cambodia. A need for more field research and systematic revision of the land snails in this interesting region is also highlighted and demonstrated.

First record of the land operculate snail Cyclophorus pfeifferi Reeve, 1861 (Mollusca, Cyclophoroidea, Cyclophoridae) from India

Through the present manuscript, we are reporting for the first time the presence of Cyclophorus pfeifferi Reeve, 1861 in India. Previously, this species of land snail was reported only from South-East Asian countries Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The specimens were collected during field sur- veys in Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram state, India. The presence of C. pfeifferi in India reveals the range expansion and long-distance dispersal abilities of the species. Here we discuss the taxonomy, ecology and possible routes of dispersal of the species in India.