• Also called Lunged Snails
Phylum:Mollusca
Class:Gastropoda
Order:Subclass: Pulmonata

Identification Tips:

• Lack an operculum (hardened cover over shell opening when body is withdrawn; located on top of rear of foot when extended)
• Some seal opening with mucous when hibernating

Life History:

• Most are hermaphroditic; self-fertilizilation is possible in some, but not common
• Eggs are laid in spring, usually in small gelatinous mass attached to an underwater object
• Most live 1 year or less
• Some produce multiple generations in year
• Some types use lung-like structure to breathe air, some to breathe water
• Some can tolerate extremely low levels of oxygen in the water
• Can hibernate in mud during dry or frozen periods

POLLUTION TOLERANCE
Very SensitiveSomewhat SensitiveFacultativeSomewhat TolerantVery Tolerant
  SomeMost 
Pollution IndicatorInvertebrate community with high proportion of lunged snails is a reliable indictor low oxygen conditions, often caused by organic/nutrient pollution

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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.