Wrinkled Marsh Snail
The wrinkled marsh snail is a native Colorado mollusk.
About This Species
The wrinkled marsh snail is one of the most common mollusks in Colorado.
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Physical Characteristics
The shell of the wrinkled marsh snail is medium to large, 30 to 55 mm in length. The shells are fairly thick, and the aperture is oval. Coarse vertical lines or ridges run along the spire and raised "hairs" may be seen on the periostracum. The coloration varies from light tan to black.
Range
The wrinkled marsh snail has a northern and western distribution across North America. This species is found in: Alabama, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. It is also found several provinces in Canada provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Habitat
The wrinkled marsh snail is found in almost all freshwater habitats across Colorado, although it is rare in the mountains. This species occurs in shallow pools, vernal pools, flooded margins of permanemnt-water habitats, and occasionally large permanent lakes, rivers, and swamps. It can also be found in ditches and pools that dry up in the summer.
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Additional Information
The wrinkled marsh snail has been identified as a natural host for liver flukes, which may negatively impact livestock.