Overview
The lacy elimia is a small, gill-breathing species of snail in the family Pleuroceridae. It lays eggs in early spring that hatch in about two weeks. These snails become sexually mature in their first year, but females may not lay eggs until their second year. Some elimia species live as long as five years. Currently, this species is only found in Cheaha, Emauhee and Weewoka creeks, which are tributaries of the Coosa River.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Life Cycle
It lays eggs in early spring that hatch in about two weeks. These snails become sexually mature in their first year, but females may not lay eggs until their second year.
Some elimia species live as long as five years.
Food
Similar species graze on periphyton or algae that grows on benthic substrates.
Habitat
This species inhabits highly oxygenated waters on rock shoals and gravel bars. It’s often found in tight clusters or colonies on larger rocks within a shoal.
Physical Characteristics
The shell of lacy elimia is conic in shape, strongly striate and often folded in the upper whorls.
Measurements:
Length: About 0.4 in (1.1 cm)
Shell color is dark brown to black without banding, and the aperture or shell opening is often purple.
Geography
The lacy elimia was historically abundant in the main stem Coosa River and in several of its tributaries, including Big Will’s Creek, Kelley’s Creek, Choccolocco Creek and Tallaseehatchee Creek. Currently, this species is only found in Cheaha, Emauhee and Weewoka creeks, which are tributaries of the Coosa River.
Timeline
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