Jenkins' Spire Snail
Potamopyrgus antipodarum
This record describes Potamopyrgus antipodarum (species). Recorded family: Tateidae. Recorded order: Littorinimorpha.
Identification and Appearance
5.5mm. This small freshwater snail has an operculum. It has a right-handed coiling, elongated shell with 7 or 8 whorls separated by deep grooves and small spines sometimes occur on the widest part of each whorl. The mouth aperture is oval, or pointed oval (almond-shaped), and its height is less than the height of the spire. The mouth also protrudes slightly from the main shell. An invasive species now widespread and frequent in most of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Littorinimorpha
- Family
- Tateidae
- Genus
- Potamopyrgus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Fresh and brackish water habitats.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
An invasive species now widespread and frequent in most of Britain.
About Littorinimorpha: the wider group
Order-level background for Littorinimorpha, the group containing Potamopyrgus antipodarum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
This is a smaller arthropod order with specialized ecological roles. Arthropods are the most diverse animal phylum, comprising over 80% of all known animal species with approximately 1.2 million described species globally.
Ecological role of the group
Members of this order contribute to broader arthropod ecosystem functions including decomposition, predation, and serving as food sources for vertebrates. Arthropod biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience.
Economic and practical significance of the group
While this order has limited direct economic impact, arthropods collectively provide ecosystem services worth trillions of dollars annually through pollination, decomposition, pest control, and nutrient cycling.
Recorded sources for this group: General entomology and arthropod research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Jenkins' Spire Snail (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Jenkins' Spire Snail
What is Jenkins' Spire Snail?
Jenkins' Spire Snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is a species in the family Tateidae, within the order Littorinimorpha.
Where is Jenkins' Spire Snail found?
Habitat: Fresh and brackish water habitats.
When is Jenkins' Spire Snail active?
Jenkins' Spire Snail: seasonal activity - All year round..