Habitat

Millerelix lithica, like almost all Pulmonates, is a terrestrial snail residing primarily in Northern Arkansas in the Ozark Uplift, on the southern flank of the Boston Mountains, and the Ouachita Mountains(Walsh, 2006). These regions are home to a large variety of animals including but not limited to: white tailed deer, turkey, dear, quail, fox, raccoon, opossums, ground hogs, chipmunks, grey squirrel, armadillos, coyotes, roadruners, and a large variety of birds. Of this great variety of wildlife, opossums, raccoons, road runners, armadillos, and many bird species pose as a direct predator to M. lithica.

Within these ranges of Arkansas, Millerelix lithica lives in very specific niches of the environment. Most often this snail is found among the large oak and hickory old growth forests(Walsh, 2006). The snail chooses these ranges for their dry soil and little to no undergrowth. Oak and hickory forests are often very old and these massive trees create a canopy that blocks up much of the sunlight. As a result of this restriction of sunlight the undergrowth is often minimal.

Within these old growth forests, Millerelix lithica can be found in a variety of situations. M. lithica is often found under stones or fallen logs in the moist environment that helps avoid water loss, but it can also be found out in the open areas of dry soil where the underbrush, besides young trees, is non-existent (Walsh, 2006). This ability to live in dry environments is unique among Pulmonates, which usually need a very moist environment to survive even though they are terrestrial.

Photographs courtesy of Ben Kimball

Now that you know about the habitat M. lithica lives in, click here to learn about its adaptations!

last updated November 29, 2012