This key was written in English and published in Spanish with the title “Clave de los géneros de moluscos terrestres mexicanos usando caracteres conquiológicos” in “Revista de Biología Tropical” vol 51, Supl 3, “Malacología Latinoamericana”, pages 473-482, Junio, 2003.  An English version follows:

 

 

          KEY TO MEXICAN TERRESTRIAL SNAIL GENERA

                  USING SHELL CHARACTERS

 

Neil E. Fahy

California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118-4599 U.S.A.

 

Translated to Spanish by Edna Naranjo Garcia

Instituto de Biologia U.N.A.M. Apartado Postal 70-153, Mexico, D.F. 04510.

 

Abstract: A total of 13 shell characteristics keys are presented, allowing identification of the 117 terrestrial mollusc genera that have been reported from Mexico.

 

Key words: Key, land mollusks, Mexico.

 

                              ----------------------           

                    "If land snail classification were based on

                    the shape of the shell, there would only be

                    ten species."

                             -----------------------

 

     The identification of land snails is a challenge.  Land snail taxonomy is based on the soft anatomy, consequently the shell is only of secondary taxonomic importance.  Thus, many similar appearing shells are in distant or non-related families.  You soon learn that snails were never meant to be classified.  Thumbing through pictures looking for your specimen can be very discouraging.  But what is more important, you don't learn anything about the features which make your specimen distinct.  A key is needed to highlight the specific characteristics which make this specimen different.

              

HOW TO USE THE KEYS

                                        

     The keys are presented in the form of questions.  You are to answer based on your observations of your specimen.  There are usually two questions (1A and 1B).  In a few cases, to reduce the number of questions, more than two questions are asked.  These are recognized by the lower case letter following the question number with the last question with an upper case letter (1a, 1b, 1c, 1D).  Your specimen should fit one of the choices.  I have used an indented key because it has two advantages.  First, it makes choice criteria more visible and secondly, it is very easy to see where you "came from".

 

     Since the keys are based on adult characters, how can you determine if your specimen is an adult?  The reflecting of the lip (when present) usually occurs when the animal approaches adulthood.  If the outer edge of the mouth is soft and flexible while the rest of the shell is otherwise quite firm, the animal is probably a juvenile.  Another way to determine a juvenile is by measuring the shell size and counting the number of whorls.  Compare these with adult shells of related species.  Is your specimen in the correct proportion to be a juvenile?

 

     Genera with variable characters can appear more than once in the keys.  These genera are indicated by “(in part)”.

 

     If you find a specimen that does not fit any of the species, send it to an expert.  You may have a new species or an extension to the range of a known species.

 

     A note from the translator: For questions on the shell characters consult

Burch 1962 and Burch & Cruz Reyes 1987.

 

                    CHOOSING THE KEY

 

1A-ANIMAL WITHOUT SHELL OR SHELL IS VERY REDUCED

   Slugs – Use Key L

 

1B-ANIMAL HAS SHELL PRESENT

 

   2A-SHELL WIDTH EQUAL OR GREATER THAN SHELL HEIGHT

 

     3A-Shell width much greater than shell height.

 

         4A-Shell spire is elevated.

            Depressed - Use Key A

 

         4B-Shell spire is not elevated.  Shell is in one plane.

            Discoid - Use Key B

 

      3B-Shell width and height approximately equal.

 

         5A-Shell spire is pointed.

            Helicoid - Use Key C

 

         5B-Shell spire is rounded.

            Domed - Use Key D

 

   2B-SHELL WIDTH LESS THAN SHELL HEIGHT

 

      6A-Shell has apex missing.

         Decollated – Use Key K

 

      6B-Shell has apex present.

 

         7A-Aperture length more than 3/4 shell height.

            Succiniform – Use Key H

 

         7B-Aperture length less than 3/4 shell height.

 

            8A-Shell apex rounded.

               Pupilliform – Use Key E

 

            8B-Shell apex not rounded.

 

               9A-Shell spire tapers to a point.

                  Urocoptiform – Use Key F

 

               9B-Shell spire does not taper to a point.

 

                  10A-Last whorl much wider than prior whorl.

                      Bulimoid – Use Key I

 

                  10B-Last whorl slightly wider than prior whorl.

 

                      11A-Aperture elongate (more than twice as long as wide).

                          Fusiform – Use Key G

 

                      11B-Aperture more round (less than twice as long as wide).

                          Conical – Use Key J


 

KEY A – SHELL SHAPE DEPRESSED

 

1A-Aperture projecting in a rounded neck.

   Ceochasma

 

1B-Aperture not projecting in a rounded neck.

 

   2A-Aperture with teeth or barriers.

 

      3A-Shell with single spiral color band.

         Ceres

 

      3B-Shell without color band.

 

         4A-Aperture lip straight.

 

            5A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

 

               6A-Lamella located on perietal wall.

                  Proserpinella

 

               6B-Lamella located on middle of columella.

                  Linidiella

 

            5B-Shell with hole at bottom of columella.

               Helicodiscus (in part)

 

         4B-Aperture lip reflected.

 

            7A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

               Lucidella (in part)

 

            7B-Shell with a hole at bottom of columella.

 

               8A-Aperture relatively small in relation to overall size of shell.

                  Polygyra

 

               8B-Aperture usually relatively large in relation to size of shell.

                  Ashmunella (in part)

 

   2B-Aperture without teeth or barriers.

 

      9A-Shell surface with ridges.

 

         10A-Ridges are spiral

 

             11A-Shell size less than 3 mm.

                 Lucidella (in part)

 

             11B-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

                 Schasicheila (in part)

 

         10B-Ridges are radial.

 

             12A-Shell with true ribs or rib-like structures.

 

                 13A-Aperture lip straight.

 

                     14A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

                         Schasicheila (in part)

 

                     14B-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella greater than

                         1/4 shell diameter.

 

                         15A-Shell aperture shape circular.

                             Amphicyclotus (in part)

 

                         15B-Aperture shape not circular.

 

                             16A-Shell size less than 3 mm.

 

                                 17A-Shell size 2 mm or less.

 

                                     18A-Aperture outline elongated horizontally.

                                         Striatura

 

                                     18B-Aperture outline not elongated horizontally.

 

                                         19A-Aperture height less than 1/2 shell

                                             height.

                                             Punctum (in part)

 

                                         19B-Aperture height greater than 1/2 shell

                                             height.

                                             Chanomphalus

 

                                 17B-Shell size 2 mm or more.

                                     Radiodiscus

 

                             16B-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

                                 Pycnogyra

 

                 13B-Aperture lip reflected.

 

                     20A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella or hole to 1/10

                         shell diameter; shell size 3 to 10 mm.

                         Glyphalinia

 

                     20B-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/4 shell

                         diameter; shell size less than 3 mm.

                         Vallonia (in part)

 

             12B-Shell with strong growth lines.

 

                 21a-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10 shell

                     diameter.

 

                     22A-Shell tightly coiled.

                         Zonites (in part)

 

                     22B-Shell loosely coiled.

                         Omphalina (in part)

 

                 21b-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella 1/10 to 1/4

                     shell diameter.

 

                     23a-Shell size less than 3 mm.

                        Miradiscops (in part)

 

                     23b-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

                         Zonitoides (in part)

 

                     23C-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

                         Gonyodiscus

 

                 21C-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella greater than 1/4

                     shell diameter.

 

                     24A-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

 

                         25A-Shell loosely coiled; size greater than 6 mm.

                         Haplotrema

 

                         25B-Shell tightly coiled; size less than 6 mm.

                             Thysanophora (in part)

 

                     24B-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

                         Dicrista (in part)

 

      9B-Shell surface without ridges.

 

         26A-Shell surface with color pattern.

 

             27A-Shell with radial color pattern.

                 Xenocyclus

 

             27B-Shell with spiral color pattern.

 

                 28A-Shell with a single spiral color band.

 

                     29A-Aperture lip straight.

 

                         30A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

                             Schasicheila (in part)

 

                         30B-Shell with hole at bottom of columella.

                             Sonorella (in part)

 

                     29B-Aperture lip reflected.

 

                         31a-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

                             [Author Note: There are no Mexican genera in this

                                           category]

 

                         31b-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10

                             shell diameter.

 

                             32A-Aperture greater than 1/2 shell height.         

                                 Leptarionta (in part)

 

                             32B-Aperture less than 1/2 shell height.

                                 Sonorella (in part)

 

                         31c-Shell inner edge of aperture lip covering all or most of

                             hole at bottom of columella.

                             Omphalina (in part)

 

                         31d-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/4

                             shell diameter.

 

                             33A-Spiral band on periphery of shell.

                                 Tryonigens

 

                             33B-Spiral band above periphery of shell.

                                 The following genera are only distinguished by

                                 internal anatomy.

                                 Eremarionta

                                 Sonorella (in part)

 

                         31E-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella greater

                             than 1/4 shell diameter.

                             Trichodiscina (in part)

 

                 28B-Shell with more than one spiral band.

 

                     34A-Aperture lip straight.

 

                         35a-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

                             Schasicheila (in part)

 

                         35b-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10

                             shell diameter.

                             Mesomphix (in part)

 

                         35c-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/4

                             shell diameter.

 

                             36A-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

                                 Neocyclotus (in part)

 

                             36B-Shell size greater than 30 mm.

                                 Megacyclotus

 

                         35D-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella greater

                             than 1/4 shell diameter.

 

                             37A-Aperture shape circular.

                                 Amphicyclotus (in part)

 

                             37B-Aperture shape not circular.

 

                                 38A-Shell size less than 12 mm.

                                     Averellia (in part)

 

                                 38B-Shell size greater than 12 mm.

                                     Trichodiscina (in part)

 

                     34B-Aperture lip reflected.

 

                         39A-Whorl periphery outline angular.

                             Oligyra (in part)

 

                         39B-Whorl periphery outline round.

 

                             40A-Shell size less than 15 mm.

                                 Practicolella

 

                             40B-Shell size greater than 15 mm.

                                 Leptarionta (in part)

 

         26B-Shell surface without color pattern.

 

             41A-Aperture lip straight.

 

                 42a-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

 

                     43A-Shell size 12-15 mm.

                         Xanthony

 

                     43B-Shell size 18 mm or greater.

                         Bunnya

 

                 42b-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10 shell

                     diameter.

 

                     44a-Shell size less than 3 mm.

                         Guppya (in part)

 

                     44b-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

                         Zonitoides (in part)

 

                     44C-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

                         Mesomphix (in part)

 

                 42c-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/4 shell

                     diameter.

 

                     45A-Shell size less than 3 mm.

 

                         46A-Shell surface shinny.

                             Miradiscops (in part)

 

                         46B-Shell surface dull.

                             Hawaiia

 

                     45B-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

 

                         47A-Shell size less than 15 mm.

                             Aperostoma (in part)

 

                         47B-Shell size greater than 15 mm.

                             Neocyclotus (in part)

 

                 42D-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella greater than 1/4

                     shell diameter.

 

                     48A-Shell size less than 3 mm.

 

                         49A-Aperture outline vertically elongated.

                             Retinella

 

                         49B-Aperture outline not vertically elongated.

                             Helicodiscus (in part)

 

                     48B-Shell size greater than 3 mm.

 

                         50A-Aperture with a groove or notch.

                             Aperstoma (in part)

 

                         50B-Aperture without a groove or notch.

                             Amphicyclotus (in part)

 

             41B-Aperture lip reflected.

 

                 51a-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

                     Schascheila (in part)

 

                 51b-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10 shell

                     diameter.

 

                     52A-Shell size less than 3 mm.

                         Punctum (in part)

 

                     52B-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

                         Ashmunella (in part)

 

                 51c-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/4 shell

                     diameter.

                     Vallonia (in part)

 

                 51D-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella greater than 1/4

                     shell diameter.

                     Averellia (in part)

 


 

 

KEY B – SHELL SHAPE DISCOID

 

1A-Shell with radial ribs.

   Rotadiscus

 

1B-Shell without radial ribs.

 

   2A-Shell with spiral color pattern.

      Trichodiscina (in part)

 

   2B-Shell without a color pattern.

      Hendersoniella


 

KEY C – SHELL SHAPE HELICOID

 

1A-Shell surface with ribs or strong growth lines.

 

   2A-Shell with spiral ridges.

 

      3A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

 

         4A-Shell surface with spiral and radial ribs; shell size 3 to 10 mm.

            Oligyra (in part)

 

         4B-Shell surface with only spiral ribs; shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

            Helicina (in part)

 

     3B-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/4 shell diameter.

        Annularia (in part)

 

   2B-Shell with radial ribs or strong growth lines.

 

      5A-Shell with radial ribs.

 

         6A-Shell with width of hole at base of columella to 1/10 shell diameter;

            shell size 3 to 10 mm; aperture shape not circular.

            Thysanophora (in part)

 

         6B-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/4 shell diameter;

            shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm; aperture shape circular.

            Annularia (in part)

 

      5B-Shell with strong growth lines or corrugated surface.

 

         7A-Shell with strong growth lines.

            8A-Aperture lip straight.

 

               9A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

                  Simpulopsis (in part)

 

               9B-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10 shell

                  diameter.

 

                  10A-Shell with single spiral band; shell size greater than 10 to

                      30 mm.

                      Zonites (in part)

 

                  10B-Shell without spiral band; shell size 3 to 10 mm.

                      Guppya (in part)

 

            8B-Aperture lip reflected or thickened.

               Pyrgodomus (in part)

 

         7B-Shell with corrugated surface.

            Simpulopsis (in part)

 

1B-Shell surface without ribs or strong growth lines.

 

   11A-Shell surface with spiral color pattern.

 

       12A-Aperture lip straight.

 

           13a-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

               Schasicheila (in part)

 

           13b-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10 shell

               diameter.

               Humboldtiana

 

           13D-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/4 shell diameter.

               Dicrista (in part)

 

       12B-Aperture lip reflected.

 

           14A-Shell tightly coiled.

               Helicina (in part)

 

           14B-Shell loosely coiled.

 

               15A-Shell aperture greater than 1/2 shell height; shell size greater

                   than 30 mm.

                   Lysinoe

 

               15B-Shell aperture less than 1/2 shell height; shell size greater than

                   10 to 30 mm.

                   Leptarionta (in part)

 

  11B-Shell surface without color pattern.

 

      16A-Aperture lip straight.

 

          17A-Shell size less than 3 mm; shell coiling loose.

              Pupisoma (in part)

 

          17B-Shell size 3 to 10 mm; shell coiling tight.

 

              18A-Shell size less than 4 mm.

                  Guppya (in part)

 

              18B-Shell size greater than 4 mm.

                  Habroconus

 

      16B-Aperture lip reflected.

          Helicina (in part)

 


 

KEY D – SHELL SHAPE DOMED

 

1A-Aperture lip straight.

   Euconulus

 

1B-Aperture lip reflected.

   Strobilops

 


 

KEY E – SHELL SHAPE PUPILLIFORM

 

1A-Shell coiling sinistral.

   Gastrocopta (in part)

 

1B-Shell coiling is dextral.

 

   2A-Aperture projecting in a rounded neck.

 

      3A-Aperture with teeth or barriers; shell size less than 3 mm.

         Gastrocopta (in part)

 

      3B-Aperture without teeth or barriers; shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

 

         4A-Shell apex domed.

            Coelostemma (in part)

 

         4B-Shell apex pointed.

            Holospira (in part)

 

   2B-Aperture attached to body wall or columella.

 

      5A-Aperture with teeth or barriers.

 

         6A-Shell surface with radial ridges.

 

            7A-Shell size less than 3 mm.

               Vertigo (in part)

 

            7B-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

               Pupilla (in part)

 

         6B-Shell surface without radial ridges.

 

            8A-Aperture lip straight

               Pupilla (in part)

 

            8B-Aperture lip reflected.

 

               9A-Aperture outline circular.

                  Chaenaxis

 

               9B-Aperture outline not circular.

 

                  10A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

                      Sterkia

 

                  10B-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10 shell

                      diameter.

                      Bothriopupa

 

     5B-Aperture without teeth or barriers.

        Pupilla (in part)

 


 

 

KEY F – SHELL SHAPE UROCOPTITIFORM; (Aperture projecting in a rounded neck)

 

1A-Last whorl distorted, appearing sinistral.

   Metastoma

 

1B-Last whorl not distorted.

 

   2A-Shell surface with radial ribs.

 

      3A-Aperture lip straight.

         Coelostemma (in part)

 

      3B-Aperture lip reflected.

 

         4A-Shell shape is skinny (shell height greater than 3 times shell diameter).

            Propilsbrya (in part)

 

         4B-Shell shape is not skinny (shell height less than 3 times shell diameter.

            Holospira (in part)

 

   2B-Shell surface without radial ribs.

      Coelostemma (in part)


 

KEY G – SHELL SHAPE FUSIFORM

 

1A-Columella truncated.

 

   2A-Shell surface with ribs.

 

      3A-Shell shape is skinny (shell height greater than 3 times shell diameter).

         Mayaxis

 

      3B-Shell shape is not skinny (shell height less than 3 times shell diameter).

 

         4A-Shell aperture greater than 1/2 shell height.

            Euglandina (in part)

 

         4B-Shell aperture less than 1/2 shell height.

            Ochrodermella

 

   2B-Shell surface without ribs.

 

      5A-Whorl periphery outline flat.

         Karolus

 

      5B-Whorl periphery outline round.

 

         6A-Shell size 3 to 30 mm.

            Salasiella (in part)

 

         6B-Shell size greater than 30 mm.

            Euglandina (in part)

 

1B-Columella straight.

 

   7A-Aperture with a fold on the columella.

      Streptostyla

 

   7B-Aperture without a fold on the columella.

 

      8A-Aperture outline elongated vertically.

 

         9A-Shell shape is skinny (shell height greater than 3 times shell diameter).

            Cecilioides

 

         9B-Shell shape is not skinny (shell height less than 3 times shell

            diameter); shell dull.

            Rabdotus (in part)

 

      8B-Aperture outline not elongated vertically.

 

         10A-Shell size less than 6 mm.

             Cochlicopa

 

         10B-Shell size greater than 6 mm.

             Orizosoma

 


 

KEY H – SHELL SHAPE SUCCINIFORM

 

1A-Shell surface with strong growth lines.

   Succinea

 

1B-Shell surface without strong growth lines.

 

   2A-Aperture outline vertically elongated; shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

      Strebelia

 

   2B-Aperture outline not vertically elongated; shell size 3 to 10 mm.

      Simpulopsis (in part)

 


KEY I – SHELL SHAPE BULIMOID

 

1A-Shell surface with ribs or strong growth lines.

 

   2A-Shell with spiral ribs.

      Licina (in part)

 

   2B-Shell with strong growth lines.

 

      3A-Columella truncated.

          Leptinaria (in part)

 

      3B-Columella not truncated.

          Catinella

 

1B-Shell surface without ribs or strong growth lines.

 

   4A-Shell surface with a color pattern.

 

      5A-Color pattern is spiral.

         Drymaeus (in part)

 

      5B-Color pattern is radial.

 

         6A-Aperture lip reflected.

            Drymaeus (in part)

 

         6B-Aperture lip straight.

 

            7A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella; shell size greater than

               30mm.

               Orthalicus

 

            7B-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella; shell size less than

               30 mm.

               Rabdotus (in part)

 

   4B-Shell surface without a color pattern.

 

      8a-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

         Rabdotus (in part)

 

      8b-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10 shell diameter.

 

         9a-Shell size less than 3 mm.

            Pupisoma (in part)

 

         9b-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

            Lamellaxis (in part)

 

         9C-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

            Bulimulus

 

      8C-Shell inner edge of aperture lip covering all or most of hole at bottom of

         columella.

         Allopeas (in part)

 


 

KEY J – SHELL SHAPE CONICAL

 

1A-Shell coiling sinistral.

   Adelopoma

 

1B-Shell coiling dextral.

 

   2A-Aperture is projecting in a rounded neck.

 

      3A-Shell shape is skinny (shell height greater than 3 times shell diameter).

 

         4A-Aperture shape circular.

 

            5A-Whorl periphery outline flat.

               Propilsbrya (in part)

 

            5B-Whorl periphery outline round.

               Brachypodella

 

         4B-Aperture shape square.

            Epirobia (in part)

 

      3B-Shell shape is not skinny (shell height less than 3 times shell diameter).

 

         6A-Shell surface with ribs.

            Tomocyclus (in part)

 

         6B-Shell surface without ribs.

            Epirobia (in part)

 

   2B-Aperture is not projecting in a rounded neck.

 

      7A-Aperture with teeth or barriers.

 

         8A-Aperture outline circular; shell size greater than 30 mm.

            Oligostylus (in part)

 

         8B-Aperture outline not circular; shell size not greater than 30 mm.

 

            9A-Shell size less than 3 mm.

               Carychium

 

            9B-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

 

               10A-Aperture lip straight.

                   Tornatellides

 

               10B-Aperture lip reflected.

                   Pupoides

 

      7B-Aperture without teeth or barriers.

 

         11A-Columella truncated.

 

             12A-Shell surface with ribs.

 

                 13A-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

 

                     14A-Shell size 6 to 7 mm.

                         Leptinaria (in part)

 

                     14B-Shell size 7 to 9 mm.

                         Lamellaxis (in part)

 

                 13B-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

                    Pseudosubulina

 

             12B-Shell surface without ribs.

                 Subulina

 

         11B-Columella not truncated.

 

             15A-Shell surface with ribs or strong growth lines.

 

                 16A-Shell with true ribs.

 

                     17A-Shell surface with a color pattern.

                             Chondropoma (in part)

 

                     17B-Shell surface without a color pattern.

 

                         18A-Shell shape is skinny (shell height greater than 3 times

                             shell diameter).

 

                             19A-Shell aperture outline circular; lip reflected.

                                 Propilsbrya (in part)

 

                             19B-Shell aperture outline not circular;

                                 lip not reflected.

 

                                 20A-Aperture lip straight.

 

                                     21A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

                                         Opeas (in part)

 

                                     21B-Shell with hole at bottom of columella.

                                         Allopeas (in part)

 

                                 20B-Aperture lip thickened.

                                     Coelostele

 

                         18B-Shell shape is not skinny (shell height less than 3

                             times shell diameter).

 

                             22A-Aperture lip straight; aperture outline not

                                 circular.

 

                                 23a-Shell size less than 3 mm.

                                     Spiraxis (in part)

 

                                 23b-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

 

                                     24A-Shell size less than 6 mm.

                                         Spiraxis (in part)

 

                                     24B-Shell size 6 to 9 mm.

 

                                         25A-Shell diameter less than 3 mm; length

                                             6 to 9 mm.

                                             Allopeas (in part)

 

                                         25B-Shell diameter greater than 3 mm; length

                                             6 to 9 mm.

                                             Synopeas (in part)

 

                                 23C-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

                                     Microceramus (in part)

 

                             22B-Aperture lip reflected; aperture outline circular.

 

                                 26A-Shell size greater than 10 mm; aperture outline

                                     extending well beyond periphery of prior whorl.

                                     Chondropoma (in part)

 

                                 26B-Shell size 10 mm or less; aperture outline

                                     extending slightly beyond periphery of prior

                                     whorl.

                                     Microceramus (in part)

 

                 16B-Shell with strong growth lines.

                     Spiraxis (in part)

 

             15B-Shell surface without ribs.

 

                 27A-Shell surface with a radial color pattern.

                     Drymaeus (in part)

 

                 27B-Shell surface without a color pattern.

 

                     28A-Shell shape is skinny (shell height greater than 3 times

                         shell diameter); shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

 

                         29A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

 

                             30A-Shell size less than 3 mm.

                                 Opeas (in part)

 

                             30B-Shell size greater than 3 mm.

                                      Rabdotus (in part)

 

                         29B-Shell with a hole at bottom of columella.

                             Allopeas (in part)

 

                     28B-Shell shape is not skinny (shell height less than 3 times

                         shell diameter).

 

                         31A-Shell size 3 to 10 mm.

 

                             32A-Aperture outline circular.

                                 Pupoides (in part)

 

                             32B-Aperture outline not circular.

                                 Allopeas (in part)

 

                          31B-Shell size greater than 10 mm.

                              Drymaeus (in part)

 

 


 

KEY K – SHELL SHAPE DECOLLATE

 

1A-Shell aperture projecting in a rounded neck.

 

   2A-Shell surface with radial ribs.

 

      3A-Whorl outline flat.

         Eucalodium (in part)

 

      3B-Whorl outline round.

         Tomocyclus (in part)

 

   2B-Shell surface without radial ribs.

 

      4A-Aperture lip straight.

         Oligostylus

 

      4B-Aperture lip reflected.

 

         5A-Aperture outline circular.

 

            6A-Shell without hole at bottom of columella.

               Eucalodium (in part)

 

            6B-Shell with width of hole at bottom of columella to 1/10 shell

               diameter.

               Coelocentrum

 

         5B-Aperture outline not circular.

 

            7A-Shell size less than 30 mm.

               Liocentrum

 

            7B-Shell size greater than 30 mm.

               Anisospira (in part)

 

1B-Shell aperture not projecting in a rounded neck.

 

   8A-Shell surface with radial ribs.

 

      9A-Aperture outline circular; lip reflected; shell size greater than 10

         to 30 mm.

 

         10A-Shell aperture height greater than 1/2 shell height.

             Tomocyclus (in part)

 

         10B-Shell aperture height less than 1/2 shell height.

             Choanopoma (in part)

 

      9B-Aperture outline not circular; lip thickened; shell size 3 to 10 mm.

         Truncatella

 

   8B-Shell surface without radial ribs.

 

      11A-Shell size greater than 10 to 30 mm.

          Anisospira (in part)

 

      11B-Shell size greater than 30 mm.

          Dissotropis

 


KEY L – SLUGS

 

1A-Mantle covers the entire animal.

 

   2A-Sole of foot divided into three longitudinal sections; Ridge on edge of mantle;

      elongated length greater than 30 mm.  [Genera can be distinguished by internal

      anatomy]

      Leidyula

      Phyllocaulis

      Sarasinula

 

   2B-Sole of foot not divided into three longitudinal sections; No ridge on edge of

      mantle; elongated length less than 30 mm.  [Genera can be distinguished by

      internal anatomy]

      Pallifera

      Philomycus

 

1B-Mantle does not cover the entire animal.

 

   3A-Mantle located in middle third of the foot.

 

      4A-Breathing pore located in posterior half of mantle; foot length greater

         than 30 mm.

         Metostracon

 

      4B-Breathing pore located in anterior half of the mantle; foot length less

         than 30 mm.

         Semiconchola

 

   3B-Mantle located in the anterior third of the foot.

 

      5A-Sole of foot divided into three longitudinal sections.

         Deroceras

 

      5B-Sole of foot not divided into three longitudinal sections.

         Binneya

 

 

Index to genera in Mexican land snail keys

         (117 Genera)

         

Genus              Key

Adelopoma

J

Allopeas

I, J

Amphicyclotus

A

Anisospira

K

Annularia

C

Aperostoma

A

Ashmunella

A

Averillia

A

Binneya

L

Bothriopupa

E

Brachypodella

J

Bulimulus

I

Bunnya

A

Carychium

J

Catinella

I

Cecilioides

G

Ceochasma

A

Ceres

A

Chaenaxis

E

Chanomphalus

A

Choanopoma

K

Chondropoma

J

Cochlicopa

G

Coelocentrum

K

Coelostele

J

Coelostemma

E, F

Deroceras

L

Discrita

A, C

Dissotropis

K

Drymaeus

I, J

Epirobia

J

Eremarionta

A

Eucalodium

K

Euconulus

D

Euglandina

G

Gastrocopta

E

Glyphyalinia

A

Gonyodiscus

A

Guppya

A, C

Habroconus

C

Haplotrema

A

Hawaiia

A

Helicina

C

Helicodiscus

A

Hendersoniella

B

Holospira

E, F

Humboldtiana

C

Karolus

G

Lamellaxis

I, J

Leidyula

L

Leptarionta

A, C

Leptinaria

I, J

Licina

I

Linidiella

A

Liocentrum

K

Lucidella

A

Lysinoe

C

Mayaxis

G

Megacyclotus

A

Mesomphix

A

Metastoma

F

Metostracon

L

Microceramus

J

Miradiscops

A

Neocyclotus

A

Ochrodermella

G

Oligostylus

J, K

Oligyra

A, C

Omphalina

A

Opeas

J

Orizosoma

G

Orthalicus

I

Pallifera

L

Philomycus

L

Phyllocaulis

L

Polygyra

A

Praticolella

A

Propilsbrya

F, J

Proserpinella

A

Pseudosubulina

J

Punctum

A

Pupilla

E

Pupisoma

C, I

Pupoides

J

Pycnogyra

A

Pyrgodomus

C

Rabdotus

G,I,J

Radiodiscus

A

Retinella

A

Rotadiscus

B

Salasiella

G

Sarasinula

L

Schasicheila

A, C

Semiconchola

L

Simpulopsis

C, H

Sonorella

A

Spiraxis

J

Sterkia

E

Strebelia

H

Streptostyla

G

Striatura

A

Strobilops

D

Subulina

J

Succinea

H

Synopeas

J

Thysanophora

A, C

Tomocyclus

J, K

Tornatellides

J

Trichodiscina

A, B

Truncatella

K

Tryonigens

A

Vallonia

A

Vertigo

E

Xanthony

A

Xenocyclus

A

Zonites

A, C

Zonitoides

A

 

REFERENCES

 

Burch, J. B. 1962 “How to know; The Eastern Land Snails”.  Wm. C. Brown Company

   Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa, 214 p.

Burch, J. B. & A. Cruz Reyes 1987 “Clave gerérica para la identifición de gastrópodos

   de agua dulce en México”.  Instituto de Biologia, UNAM, 46 p.

Burch, J.B. & T.A. Pearce. 1990. Terrestrial Gastropoda, p.201-309. In D.L. Dindal 

   (ed), Soil Biology. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

Richardson, L.C. 1991. Urocoptidae: catalog of species. Tryonia, 22:1-245.

Vaught, K.C. 1989. A classification of the living Mollusca. American Malacologists.

   Melbourne, FL. 195 p.