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wing snaggletooth
wing snaggletooth (Gastrocopta procera)
Illinois Status: uncommon, native
Photo © Marla Coppolino
Features and Behaviors
FEATURES
Gastrocopta procera has a narrow, tannish to cinnamon-brown shell with five whorls, and is less than one-eighth of an inch tall. The body whorl and shell opening appear smeared together. The shell opening is round and contains five lamellae (“teeth”). Their brownish shell makes them unique from other snails in the family. Pupa procera is a synonym for this species.
BEHAVIORS
This species is rare in Illinois, and has been recorded in nine counties (Effingham, Jackson, McDonough, Madison, Monroe, Union, Wabash, Will) and is abundant Edwards County. These snails rely on calcium rich habitats like those found in dry prairies and near exposed bedrock. Gastrocopta procera can be found under leaf litter and stones. Snails move slowly from place to place, lubricating the path as they go with mucus secreted from a gland near their mouth. Little is known about the feeding and reproduction of this species.
Illinois Range
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Stylommatophora
Family: Gastrocoptidae
Habitats
dry prairies and near exposed bedrock
