BIOTIC Species Information for Truncatella subcylindrica
Researched byNicola White Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byDennis R. Seaward
Taxonomy
Scientific nameTruncatella subcylindrica Common nameLooping snail
MCS CodeW398 Recent SynonymsNone

PhylumMollusca Subphylum
Superclass ClassGastropoda
SubclassProsobranchia OrderMesogastropoda
Suborder FamilyTruncatellidae
GenusTruncatella Speciessubcylindrica
Subspecies   

Additional InformationAbscission 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 formCylindrical
Feeding methodSub-surface deposit feeder
Surface deposit feeder
Mobility/MovementCrawler
Environmental positionEpifaunal
Interstitial
Typical food typesVegetable detritus and small algae HabitFree living
BioturbatorNot relevant FlexibilityNone (< 10 degrees)
FragilityRobust SizeVery small(<1cm)
HeightUp to 5 mm Growth RateInsufficient information
Adult dispersal potential100-1000m DependencyIndependent
SociabilityGregarious
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationIt 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 & IrelandRecorded from Pagham Harbour, West Sussex; The Solent, Isle of Wight, The Fleet, Dorset and St Mawes Bay, Cornwall.
Global distributionFrom the Channel coasts of France and Britain to the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and on the Canaries, Madeira and Azores.
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth rangeInsufficient information
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional InformationFormerly 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 preferencesGravel / shingle
Mud
Physiographic preferencesEstuary
Isolated saline water (Lagoon)
Biological zoneUpper Littoral Fringe
Lower Littoral Fringe
Wave exposureSheltered
Tidal stream strength/Water flowVery Weak (negligible)
SalinityVariable (18-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Barnes, 1994, Killeen & Light, 1998, Fretter & Graham, 1978, Seaward, 1991,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanismOviparous
Reproductive SeasonInsufficient information Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequencyInsufficient information Regeneration potential No
Life spanInsufficient information Age at reproductive maturityInsufficient information
Generation timeInsufficient information FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule sizeEggs 0.75-0.80mm in diameter Fertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential<10m Larval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stageNot relevant   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationEgg 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,
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