Otoconcha dimidiata

Otoconcha dimidiata is a species of small air-breathing semi-slug, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc in the family Charopidae. It has a very thin and cap like shell hidden under its skin in the rounded swelling behind the head.

Otoconcha dimidiata
Otoconcha dimidiata from Wainuiomata Regional Park
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Mollusca
Class:
Gastropoda
(unranked):
clade Heterobranchia

clade Euthyneura
clade Panpulmonata
clade Eupulmonata

clade Stylommatophora
Family:
Charopidae
Subfamily:
Otoconchinae
Genus:
Otoconcha
Species:
O. dimidiata
Binomial name
Otoconcha dimidiata
(Pfeiffer, 1853)[1]
Synonyms
  • Vitrina dimidiata Pfeiffer, 1853

Otoconcha dimidiata is the type species of the genus Otoconcha.

Distribution

This species occurs in both North and South islands of New Zealand.

Habitat

This semi slug lives in rotting logs where it is rarely seen because of its secretive habits, but it is not rare. It can be found by careful searching by torch light in damp areas of native forest.

Ecology

Otoconcha dimidiata is the preferred prey of the carnivorous land gastropod Schizoglossa novoseelandica.[2]

References
  1. Pfeiffer L. K. G. (1853). Monogr. Helix Vi... 3: page 6.
  2. Murdoch R. C. (1894) "Notes on the variation and habits of Schizoglossa novoseelandica". Proceedings of the malacological society 1(3): 138.
  • Baker H. B. (1938) "The Endodont genus Otochoncha". 23: page 89-91.
  • Suter H. (1913). Manual of the New Zealand Mollusca. Wellington, 1120 pp. page 620.
  • Suter H. (1915). Manual of the New Zealand Mollusca. Atlas of plates. John Mackay, Government printer, Wellington. plate 25, figure 2, 2a.


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