| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Order: | Prosobranchia |
Identification Tips:
• Have operculum; a hardened cover that seals the shell opening when the body is withdrawn
• Operculum located on top of rear of foot when extended
• Pattern of lines on operculum is used to distinguish families
Life History:
• Most live for 2-5 years
• Most have separate genders
• Lay eggs in spring
• Breathe using gill located inside shell
• Most scrape algae of underwater surfaces; a few shred and consume living plants or detritus; a few filter feed using a modified gill
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Some | Most | Some | ||
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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.