Fragile Ancylid
The fragile ancylid is a native limpid-type mollusk.
About This Species
The fragile ancylid was originally considered three separate species: F. walkeri, F. mcneilli and F. fragilis.
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Physical Characteristics
The shell of the fragile ancylid is small, fragile, oval, and limpet-like, up to 5 mm in length, with sides nearly parallel. The posterior of the shell (from apex to margin) is shorter with a concave slope and the anterior side is longer with a convex slope. The apex is raised, but not pointed, and leans to the right side of the shell. The shell is light colored.
Habitat
The fragile ancylid is found throughout North America from southern Ontario to southern California. It can be seen on the surface of rocks, woody debris, macrophytes (larger aquatic plants), and dead leaves in nearly all aquatic habitats. The only limiting factor is the dissolved oxygen level, which prevents establishment in warm reservoirs, stagnant waters, and water that has been artificially enriched or polluted. The fragile ancylid has been found in a lake in Yuma County, Colorado. One study in Connecticut suggests that the species may be adaptable to stressful changes in environment.
Diet
It is a grazer, scraping diatoms from the surface of rocks, vegetation and woody material. More research is needed on this species.