Adaptation

Adaptations
Being part of the Subclass Pulmonata, the gill of Fumonelix wetherbyi has been replaced by a vascular lung that allows for the snail to breathe air in moist conditions (Burch, 1962).It is for this reason that often they are found under deep leaf litter, under rocks and other objects that retain moisture. Typically Pulmonates are most active at night or whenever moisture in the atmosphere is prevalent, such as after a good rain (Perez et. 2008).

 

 Shell:
The shell Fumonelix wetherbyi  is heliciform(shell that has elevated whorls), consisting of generally five to six whorls (Burch,1962), it is of globuse shape (meaning it formed like a globe), it is of a dull cinnamon-buff color, it has a medium size parietal tooth  without basal and palatal teeth, and oblique prostrate hairs are present in fresh forms. The typical size shell is between 17 and 19 millimeters (Dourson, 2010).

Fumonelix wetherbyi is a name that is newer to the scientific community that started being used about 20 years ago. Before that, this Polygyrid was formerly known as Mesodon wetherbyi. The main distinction between the two is the shell. Mesodon wetherbyi is larger, and has a smoother shell surface with distinct transverse and spiral striae on their shell surface, and do not have prostrate hairs (Dourson,2010).

To explore the  diet Fumoneliz wetherbyi visit Nutrition.
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