A Field Guide to the Snails of Lord Howe Island

29 Limborelia exquisita (Pfeiffer, 1855) Exquisite Palmleaf Snail Shell. Size: H = 7-8.5 mm, D = 4-6 mm. Colour: Light yellow-brown to dark brown. Shape: Conical with pointed spire; whorls rounded with an angulate periphery; sutures not impressed. Sculpture: Shell smooth, without distinct sculpture. Aperture: Teardrop- shaped with a small basal point. Umbilicus: Narrowly open; circum-umbilical keel present. Animal. Body cream to brown with grey cephalic tentacles. Key distinguishing features. Elongate conical shell, relatively larger size, angulate shell periphery, smooth shell surface, circum-umbilical keel. Habitat and occurrence. Widespread across the island, in rainforest and moist woodland, particularly in lowland areas and foothills (Malabar, Kim’s Lookout, North Beach, Steven’s Reserve, Transit Hill, Intermediate Hill) but also on the lower to upper slopes of the southern mountains (Goat House, Erskine Valley, the Saddle, Little Slope, Big Slope). Usually not found above 500m altitude. Found in leaf litter, usually in fallen palm leaves. Remarks. Sympatric with L. innesi on Little Slope and Big Slope; sympatric with O. howeinsulae throughout most of its range. Limborelia exqiusita 2 mm Limborelia exquisita