Morphology

Daedalochila peninsulae is a Gastropod and therefore has the characteristics of that class. These characteristics, stated in its Classification, include one shell made of calcium carbonate, and a body plan that shows coiling and torsion.  The shell of Daedalochila peninsulae is shown in multiple angles below to provide an image with which specific features can be seen:



As can be seen above, the shell of Daedalochila peninsulae has an aperture that appears to be pinched. This pinching, shown well in the third picture, is attributed to the extended parietal callus and the basal tooth.  The parietal callus is the portion of the pinching of the aperture from the left on picture 3, or also shown from behind in picture 1 on the far left.  The  basal tooth complements the parietal callus in the pinching, and is shown in the bottom right of the aperture in the third picture. This type of aperture structure, given the common name Liptooth, is characteristic of the Genus Daedalochila.

Also, as seen from the pictures above, the color of the shell tends to be a light to caramel brown.

Shell size, although not documented widely, has been recorded and listed to be around 8.5mm (www.jaxshells.org 2010)

The periphery of the shell is very much rounded.  Along with a rounded periphery, coiling of the shell creates embryonic whorls, both of which are seen clearly in the pictures above.

Another possible differentiating feature is the spire.  Daedalochila peninsulae has a short spire, shown in the first and third pictures. 

This information alone can differentiate Daedalochila peninsulae from most species, however visualizing a live specimen can reveal any external distinguishing features:

Seeing a full specimen reveals the tentacles and head. It is much easier to visualize what a live specimen would look like when knowing what the external features of the snail look like. 

Daedalochila peninsuale is found very rarely living in its natural habitat, so next time you're in northeast Florida, check alongside the roads in wet, sunny locations and see if you can spot it.

All information on this page is observed from pictures provided by www.jaxshells.org.
Continue to Facts to learn interesting facts about Daedalochila peninsulae and its relatives.
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