A Field Guide to the Snails of Lord Howe Island

86 Family Helicarionidae (Glass snails and semislugs) Genus Epiglypta Pilsbry, 1893 Description. As for species (below). Remarks. The ribbed shell sculpture and periostracal blades in this genus are unusual features for a helicarionid, but anatomical data clearly place it in this group. Epiglypta howeinsulae (Cox, 1873) Ribbed Glass Snail Shell. Size: H 17-21 mm, D = 31.9-34.8 mm. Colour: Yellowish brown. Shape: Subglobose, with a moderately raised spire; whorls rounded above and below a keeled periphery. Sutures impressed. Sculpture: Protoconch with fine, faint radial ribs most visible on outer edge of whorl; teleoconch with strong closely spaced radial ribs with a periostracal blade, both rib and blade flared and enlarged at whorl periphery. Ventral surface smooth and glossy. Aperture: Ovately lunate. Umbilicus: Closed by reflection in adults; narrowly open in juveniles. Animal. Body grey-brown in alcohol, with a small caudal horn. Shell lappets narrow, finger- shaped. Key distinguishing features. This species is easily identified by its large, distinctly ribbed shell. Habitat and occurrence. Extinct. Originally known from on or near the summits of Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird, living under stones and on wet rock faces. Remarks. This species has not been collected since 1920 and is regarded as extinct due to rat predation. 10 mm Epiglypta howeinsulae