Nautilus Ramshorn
Gyraulus crista
This record describes Gyraulus crista (species). Recorded family: Planorbidae. Recorded order: Hygrophila.
Identification and Appearance
2-3.5mm. This small ramshorn snail is often overlooked due to its small size. It has rapidly expanding whorls and and oval mouth aperture. The shell can have strong, curved radial ridges but these are variable so not always very obvious. From the underside, the mouth is slanted back. Though the shell is a light brown, it is often covered in a deposit that makes it very dark. Menetus dilatus has a more rounded mouth which is less slanted back. Valvata crista has a mouth that is perfectly round. Good images of both sides and a note of its size. Slow rivers, canals, lakes, ponds and weedy ditches. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Hygrophila
- Family
- Planorbidae
- Genus
- Gyraulus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Slow rivers, canals, lakes, ponds and weedy ditches.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread.
About Hygrophila: the wider group
Order-level background for Hygrophila, the group containing Gyraulus crista. 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 Nautilus Ramshorn (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nautilus Ramshorn
What is Nautilus Ramshorn?
Nautilus Ramshorn (Gyraulus crista) is a species in the family Planorbidae, within the order Hygrophila.
Where is Nautilus Ramshorn found?
Habitat: Slow rivers, canals, lakes, ponds and weedy ditches.
When is Nautilus Ramshorn active?
Nautilus Ramshorn: seasonal activity - All year..