I found this small, dark snail on a piece of rope in our lake, a new species to me. It appears to be a bladder snail, an air breathing snail that lives in freshwater, common throughout the Americas. They have a small chamber between their shells and their body, in which air becomes trapped and oxygen is assimilated. They must therefore climb plants or float to the surface for air on a regular basis.
They have a left handed spiral, referred to as sinistral, and no operculum (trapdoor). They feed on detritus, as well as diatoms and algae. Physidae
they have a cavity in the shell that is used for gas exchange. Most species maintain a bubble of air in the cavity, and occasionally refresh it at the surface of the water. A few species fill the cavity with water, and live without ever approaching the surface.I love how its antennae make it look like a wild steer! The snail's eyes are situated at the base of these tentacles, which cannot be withdrawn.
they have a cavity in the shell that is used for gas exchange. Most species maintain a bubble of air in the cavity, and occasionally refresh it at the surface of the water. A few species fill the cavity with water, and live without ever approaching the surface.
they have a cavity in the shell that is used for gas exchange. Most species maintain a bubble of air in the cavity, and occasionally refresh it at the surface of the water. A few species fill the cavity with water, and live without ever approaching the surface.
they have a cavity in the shell that is used for gas exchange. Most species maintain a bubble of air in the cavity, and occasionally refresh it at the surface of the water. A few species fill the cavity with water, and live without ever approaching the surface.