- Myosotella myosotis (Draparnaud 1801) Estuarine mouse-eared snail
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© Dr Roy Anderson
© Dr Roy Anderson
© Dr Roy Anderson
Map hosted by the
National Biodiversity Data Centre, Waterford
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Very similar to Myosotella denticulata but larger and broader and consistently coloured reddish-brown to mid-brown. The outer lip in mature specimens has no more than a single denticle. Habitat is different from that of M. denticulata, living only in partially saline, estuarine conditions.
Key characteristics
- A slightly shiny fairly robust red-brown shell with body whorl greater than half total height
- Aperture ear-shaped with two lamellae (one large) on the columella and one denticle or none on the outer lip
- Whorls flattened and sutures shallow
Size
6.5-8 mm.
World Distribution
Distributed along coasts from Denmark and the British Isles to the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Distribution type: Mediterranean-Atlantic (91).
GBIF distribution map [open in new tab]
Irish Distribution
Locally common around the Irish coast in estuarine or brackish habitats.
Ecology
- Confined to sheltered rocky or muddy coastlines at or above HWM in estuaries or sheltered inlets of the sea
- Shelters under stones and at the roots of saltmarsh vegetation
Taxonomy
See Myosotella denticulata.
Red List status
- Least concern (lc).
Wikipedia link
Wikipedia page for Myosotella myosotis
| Anderson, R., (2016). Myosotella myosotis (Draparnaud 1801). [In] MolluscIreland. http://www.habitas.org.uk/molluscireland/species.asp?ID=121 Accessed on 2024-10-14. |