SPECIES INFO
Liguus snails are native to southern Florida and many of the islands in the Caribbean. These are generally colorful tree snails that reach up to two inches in length. With extensive land clearing in their habitats many species and forms are under severe environmental pressure. Although over 160 names have been applied to members of this genus, Abbott believes that only five or six valid species are known. There were many color forms (at least 60 named) found in southern Florida, many of which have become extinct. Liguus snails are now protected in Florida.
Pulmonata Order contains the land slugs, freshwater snails, and land snails.
Gastropods (Class Gastropoda) contain the snails, conchs, and similar snail-like animals. There are about 105,000 species of gastropods. This class is divided into several separate orders:
Sub Class Streptoneura - (57,000 species)
Order Diotocardia: - Two sets of organs
Order Monotocardia: - One set of organs
Sub Class Euthyneura - (48,000 species)
Order Cephalaspidea: - thin shells, etcetera
Order Nudibranchia: - sea slugs
Order Pulmonata: - snails and slugs
Mollusks (Phylum Mollusca) are a large and varied group of animals. Some species are found on land; others are found in freshwater; many are found in the oceans of the world. The most familiar mollusks have an external shell surrounding a soft body. Well-known examples of mollusks are snails and clams. The major classes are as follows:
Ablacophora: - - - Worm appearing
Polhyplacophora (Amphineura): - Chitons
Scaphopoda: - - - Tusk Shells
Gastropoda: - - - Gastropods
Bivalvia (Pelecypoda): - Clams, etcetera
Cephalopoda: - - - Octopus, Nautilus
Monoplacophora: - - - A recent discovery
Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
