Habitat
Members of the Family Polygyridae are very widespread in North America, Millerelix being the most widely dispersed genus in the family (Pilsbry, 1940). They can be found in humid environments, including many areas in the Southern United States, much of Mexico, Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. (Pilsbry, 1940).
Millerelix peregrina were located by Ernest Palmer and Arnold Arboretum in the northern region of Arkansas during an expedition (Pilsbry, 1932). Although Millerelix peregrina were previously thought to be closely allied with Millerelix troostiana, during this voyage M. peregrina were found 350 miles west of where M. troostiana are typically found, suggesting that they are not as closely related as once thought (Pilsbry, 1932). Millerelix peregrina are most commonly found in Northern Arkansas, at the foot of the bluffs of the White River at Calico Rock, Izard County (Pilsbry, 1940). In addition, they occupy the Ozark Mountains and the counties of Marion, Newton, Searcy, and Stone (Robison et. al, 1995). Although rocky, sunny areas are the most favorable to this species, during wet weather, these snails are also apt to be active and moving about (Hubricht, 1985).
Other organisms that live in Northern Arkansas around the same habitat as Millerelix peregrina are the collared lizards, Crotaphytus collaris, which we will discuss more on the Interactions page (Herps of Arkansas, 2012). These lizards, which sometimes ingest Millerelix peregrina, are found in areas of exposed rock, usually in specific rocky glades or abandoned open rock quarries (Herps of Arkansas, 2012). These rocky areas allow the lizard to seek out prey and observe for predators (Herps of Arkansas, 2012).
If you would like to learn about some adaptations that Millerelix peregrina have acquired to be better suited to these environments, click here.
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