Gastrocopta - Snaggletooth Snails from Group B1 larger species (Family Vertiginidae)
These two species of Snaggletooth snails are noticeably larger (nearer to or over 4 mm) than the others and are easily distinguished. The Armed Snaggletooth, Gastrocopta armifera, has been found in many more counties than the Great Lakes Snaggletooth, Gastrocopta similis, but the latter species can be easily identified as the former. The nature of the columellar tooth is one key character.
Gastrocopta armifera (Say, 1821)
Armed Snaggletooth
Gastrocopta armifera (Say, 1821)
This is one of the most often recorded Snaggletooth snails in Indiana and is the largest and most easily seen species.
Tentative Identification: Shell taller than wide; reflected lip; pupilliform; columellar lamella triangular; ~3.6 - 5 mm in height. (see Nekola and Coles 2010 for all the Gastrocopta)
Comparison: Gastrocopta similis is slightly smaller, but with a larger columellar tooth with more visible layering.
Habitat: It can be found in a variety of open habitats including roadsides, along railroads, cedar glades, and open woods – xeric or mesic. It may be associated with leaf litter, rocks, or shale.
Status: probably more common than indicated in suitable habitat.
a group of Gastrocopta armifera on a limestone block
Gastrocopta armifera apertural teeth
Gastrocopta similis apertural teeth
Gastrocopta similis (Sterki, 1909) with mm scale
Great Lakes Snaggletooth
Gastrocopta similis (Sterki, 1909)
Tentative Identification: Shell taller than wide; reflected lip; pupilliform; columellar lamella triangular; ~3.3 - 4 mm in height; columellar tooth (lamella) is large, vertical and appears layered
Comparison: Gastrocopta armifera is slightly larger, but with a smaller columellar tooth and less visible layering.
Habitat: This snaggletooth snail is found in and around glade, grass, or woodland litter including cedar woods.
Status: Restricted range, one county in north central and one southwest. Likely to be found in more counties misindentified as G. armifera or overlooked.
