Euchondrus
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2008-05-13T01:16:34Z
AnnaFrance
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{{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}}