Habitat

Originally, Millerelix simpsoni was put into the genus, Polygrya. It was classified as Polygyra dorfeuilliana sampsoni. This species was actually a subspecies of a broader snail called Polygyra dorfeuilliana (Leonard, 1959). The major reason scientists named is as a subspecies was because all the physical characteristics were the same yet; it was about 7.2 to 8.5 millimeters smaller than Polygyra dorfeuilliana. (Leonard, 1959). Since Millerelix simpsoni was originally a subspecies to that larger species, its ecological niche seems to be more specific. (Leonard, 1959). Moreover, Millerelix simpsoni is a terrestrial snail found in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Specifically, it is prominent in the following places: Ozarks, Arkansas, Wyandotte, Oklahoma, Waco, Texas, and the Miami and Cherokee counties of Kansas (Pilsbury, 1940; Leonard, 1959). Millerelix simpsoni’s ecological niche is in temperate climates with humidity (Leonard, 1959). In general, the terrestrial snails can be spotted in various types of grasses, underneath tree limbs (both dead and alive), stones, leaf litter and even moss (Leonard, 1959). Yet it is observed that the snails from Kansas prefer rocky and forested areas (Leonard, 1959; Franzen, 1944). Many terrestrial snails that lie in these areas are nocturnal. (Leonard, 1959). Still, on cloudy days, one may see Millerelix simpsoni moving about the land (Leonard, 1959). 

As for all living things, water is an essential part of life. However, since Millerelix simpsoni lives in primarily dry regions it is critical for their reproduction and livelihood that species are near a water source (Leonard, 1959). For this reason, terrestrial snails can be seen roaming in various types of grasses, which are partially submerged in water (Leonard, 1959). Additionally, during times of rain, scientists believe that the terrestrial snails such as Millerelix simpsoni will begin to use this opportunistic time for development and reproduction (Leonard, 1959).         

 

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