Euchondrus 3066349 212008436 2008-05-13T01:16:34Z AnnaFrance 7002667 added piped wikilink to avoid dab page {{Taxobox | name = ''Euchondrus'' | image = | image_width = | image_caption = | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Mollusca]] | classis = [[Gastropoda]] | ordo = [[Pulmonata]] | familia = [[Enidae]] | genus = '''''Euchondrus''''' | genus_authority = Boettger, 1883 | subdivision_ranks = [[Species]] | subdivision = See text. }} '''''Euchondrus''''' is a [[genus]] of very small air-breathing land [[snails]], [[Terrestrial animal|terrestrial]] [[pulmonate]] [[gastropod]] [[mollusk]]s in the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Enidae]]. ==Distribution== The snails in this genus are found in the [[Negev desert]] of [[Israel]]. ==Habitat== Under limestone rocks in the desert. ==Shell description== The shell of this species is only about 12 mm in length. It is elongate with many whorls and a high spire. The [[aperture]] is toothed. ==Life Habits== These snails are noted for eating [[lichens]] growing under limestone rocks and slabs. Their grazing resulting in the erosion of the stones, and the subsequent formation of soil. The snails have a significant effect on the region: the total population of snails is estimated to process between .7 and 1.1 metric ton per year of limestone in the Negev desert. ==Species== * ''[[Euchondrus albulus]]'' <small>(Mousson, 1861)</small> * ''[[Euchondrus desertorum]]'' <small>Rochanab, 1981</small> * ''[[Euchondrus ledereri]]'' <small>(L. Pfeiffer, 1868)</small> * ''[[Euchondrus limbodentatus]]'' <small>(Mousson, 1854)</small> * ''[[Euchondrus nucifragus]]'' <small>(L. Pfeiffer, 1848)</small> * ''[[Euchondrus parreyssi]]'' <small>(L. Pfeiffer, 1846)</small> * ''[[Euchondrus ramonensis]]'' * ''[[Euchondrus saulcyi]]'' <small>(Bourguignat, 1852)</small> {{listdev}} ==External links== * [http://www.pupress.princeton.edu/chapters/i7691.html A discussion of how organisms (including Euchondrus) affect their habitat.] [[Category:Enidae]] {{Pulmonata-stub}}