Endodonta christenseni
Endodonta chritenseni is a terrestrial snail species belonging to the family Endodontidae. First recorded in 1923, but not formally described until 2020, the species is endemic to the island of Nīhoa, Hawaii.[1]
| Endodonta christenseni | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Order: | Stylommatophora |
| Family: | Endodontidae |
| Genus: | Endodonta |
| Species: | E. christenseni
|
| Binomial name | |
| Endodonta christenseni Slapcinsky, Yeung & Hayes, 2020
| |
Description
[edit]The shell of Endodonta christenseni is lenticular, about 2.3 mm tall and 4.7 mm wide, with an umbilicate structure. Its trapezoidal aperture is partly blocked by 7–10 lamellar barriers. The shell color ranges from yellow-brown to reddish-brown with irregular patterns. It feeds on fungi, aiding spore dispersal, and helps break down leaf litter. They also provide a food source for birds.[2]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Endodonta christenseni is endemic to the island of Nīhoa, Hawaii.[1] The species lives primarily in clumps on the plant Eragrostis variabilis.[2]
Cultural significance
[edit]Endodonta christenseni is culturally significant in Hawaii. The species is one of Hawaii's nine state snails.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Remote Hawaiian island harbors last land snails of their kind". National Science Foundation. December 29, 2020. Archived from the original on March 15, 2025. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ a b Hayes, K.; Slapcinsky, J.; Sischo, D.; Kim, J.; Yeung, N. (2020). "The last known Endodonta species? Endodonta christenseni sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Endodontidae". Bishop Museum Occasional Papers (138).
- ^ "Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Designates Official State Snails". governor.hawaii.gov. Archived from the original on 2025-02-27. Retrieved 2025-02-27.