Physid Snails

  • 37 species in North America
Phylum:Mollusca
Class:Gastropoda
Order:Pulmonata
Family:Physidae

Identification Tips:

• Sinistral - shell opening is on left when facing toward you with pointed end up
• Lack an operculum (hardened cover that seals the opening)

Life History:

• Physid snails can breathe air
• Mostly found in areas with soft silt bottom
• Often found on submerged vegetation vegetation or on solid objects protruding from the bottom.

POLLUTION TOLERANCE
Very SensitiveSomewhat SensitiveFacultativeSomewhat TolerantVery Tolerant
   Most 

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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.