Habitat
Discus cronkhitei (Newcomb) has been found throughout the United States, ranging from California to Maine with only small breaks in distribution in inhabitable places such as Nevada (Pilsby, 1939-1948). The majority of research about this species is done in Maine and other parts of the northeast because they are more numerous there. In New Brunswick, Canada, research was done and according to the data, nine were found in softwood forests, thirty-five in hardwood mixed forest, and one was found in a cutover region of forest (Upshall, 1986). According to another source, Discus cronkhitei is most frequently found in lowland grasslands, lowland forests and upland forests (Nekola, 2003).
In these wet forests, Discus cronkhitei can be found under dead wood, under fallen tree bark, and among rotting grass and leaves (Pilsbry, 1939-1948). They have also been found along the shores of lakes under vegetation. It lives wherever it is the most moist. Discus cronkhitei has been found at a variety of elevations as well, as high as 10,000 feet (Livinglandscapes).
In the hardwood forests, this species encounters many other organisms. Animals such as owls, robins, toads, moles, lizards, mice, and even foxes occasionally feed on snails. Snails make up a very small portion of their diets, however.
While living under dead wood and amongst rotting grass and leaves, Discus cronkhitei encounters other organisms such as other snails, earthworms, ants, and fungi that are commonly found in the same habitat.
Want to learn about
Adaptations of Discus
cronkhitei?
Or go to the Home page.