BIOTIC

BIOTIC Species Information for Truncatella subcylindrica

Researched by

Nicola White

Data supplied by

MarLIN

Refereed by

Dennis R. Seaward

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Truncatella subcylindrica

Common name

Looping snail

MCS Code

W398

Recent Synonyms

None

Phylum

Mollusca

Subphylum

Superclass

Class

Gastropoda

Subclass

Prosobranchia

Order

Mesogastropoda

Suborder

Family

Truncatellidae

Genus

Truncatella

Species

subcylindrica

Subspecies

Additional Information

Abscission of the earlier part of the shell is presumably an adaptation to an interstial habitat.
The taxonomy of the Gastropoda has been recently revised (see Ponder & Lindberg 1997, and Taylor 1996). Ponder & Lindberg (1997) suggest that Mesogastropoda should be included in a monophyletic clade, the Caenogastropoda.

Taxonomy References

Howson & Picton, 1997, Barnes, 1994, Fretter & Graham, 1978, Ponder & Lindberg, 1997, Taylor, 1996,

General Biology

Growth form

Cylindrical

Feeding method

Sub-surface deposit feeder
Surface deposit feeder

Mobility/Movement

Crawler

Environmental position

Epifaunal
Interstitial

Typical food types

Vegetable detritus and small algae

Habit

Free living

Bioturbator

Not relevant

Flexibility

None (< 10 degrees)

Fragility

Robust

Size

Very small(<1cm)

Height

Up to 5 mm

Growth Rate

Insufficient information

Adult dispersal potential

100-1000m

Dependency

Independent

Sociability

Gregarious

Toxic/Poisonous?

General Biology Additional Information

It has a peculiar looping gait and moves along by alternately attaching the foot and snout to the substratum (Seaward, 1988). The species is found at moderate densities in narrow, linear habitats.

Biology References

Killeen & Light, 1998, Seaward, 1988,

Distribution and Habitat

Distribution in Britain & Ireland

Recorded from Pagham Harbour, West Sussex; The Solent, Isle of Wight, The Fleet, Dorset and St Mawes Bay, Cornwall.

Global distribution

From the Channel coasts of France and Britain to the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and on the Canaries, Madeira and Azores.

Biogeographic range

Not researched

Depth range

Insufficient information

Migratory

Non-migratory / Resident

Distribution Additional Information

Formerly known from 12 sites in Britain, from Porthcurno along the south coast to the rivers Orwell and Deben, Suffolk. Presently known to be living in only five locations. It is a southern species which reaches its most northerly distribution in Britain. Paludinella litorina, Ovatella myosotis and Leucophytia bidentata are associates.

Substratum preferences

Gravel / shingle
Mud

Physiographic preferences

Estuary
Isolated saline water (Lagoon)

Biological zone

Upper Littoral Fringe
Lower Littoral Fringe

Wave exposure

Sheltered

Tidal stream strength/Water flow

Very Weak (negligible)

Salinity

Variable (18-40 psu)

Habitat Preferences Additional Information

Distribution References

Barnes, 1994, Killeen & Light, 1998, Fretter & Graham, 1978, Seaward, 1991,

Reproduction/Life History

Reproductive type

Gonochoristic

Developmental mechanism

Oviparous

Reproductive Season

Insufficient information

Reproductive Location

As adult

Reproductive frequency

Insufficient information

Regeneration potential

Life span

Insufficient information

Age at reproductive maturity

Insufficient information

Generation time

Insufficient information

Fecundity

Insufficient information

Egg/propagule size

Eggs 0.75-0.80mm in diameter

Fertilization type

Insufficient information

Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential	<10m	Larval settlement period	Insufficient information
Duration of larval stage	Not relevant

Reproduction Preferences Additional Information

Egg capsules are laid of 0.75-0.80mm diameter, which are spherical and surrounded by a thick wall. Each capsule contains one egg and they are attached singly to pieces of detritus in the habitat in which the adults live. Small snails are hatched with a shell of 0.65mm (Fretter & Graham, 1978)

Reproduction References

Fretter & Graham, 1978,