Adaptation

The Order Stylommatophora differ from other orders since their mantle has evolved into an air breathing lung (Hickman, 2009). This developed lung permits them to live in shallow water as well as land. See habitat page for more information of habitat. Other adaptations these snails have is a coiled shell used for protection from predators and water loss in extreme dryness. The coiled shell grows along with the snail eliminating the energy intense molting period. The coiling of the shell also aids in the fouling problem the torsion (180 degree twisting of the digestinal tract leaving the anus close to head and lungs) causes making the snail lean to either the right or left sides. The snail escapes predators and moves using its foot, however movement is typically slow due to their heavy coiled shell. The cinnamon brown color of their shell serves as camouflage since the Bluff Vertigo usually resides in dirt, moss, and lichens in bluffed areas.  Though the snail has a camouflage to protect from predators, its most known predator is the human since land a recreational activities are known to crush and kill the Vertigo meramecensis. (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2011)