Listing
Nov 21, 1991
Nov 21, 1991 Listing
ETWP; Animal Candidate Review for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species; 56 FR 58804 58836
- Publication type: CNOR
Item 1
FWS Focus
Overview
Characteristics
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
Elimia crenatella
Common Name
Lacy elimia
Lacey Elimia
FWS Category
Snails
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Characteristic category
Life Cycle
Characteristics
Reproduction
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.
Life Span
Some elimia species live as long as five years.
Characteristic category
Food
Characteristics
Food
Similar species graze on periphyton or algae that grows on benthic substrates.
Characteristic category
Habitat
Characteristics
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.
Characteristic category
Physical Characteristics
Characteristics
Size & Shape
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)
Color & Pattern
Shell color is dark brown to black without banding, and the aperture or shell opening is often purple.
Geography
Characteristics
Range
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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