Annulariidae

Annulariidae
Shell of Gouldipoma chiapasense (syntype at MNHN, Paris)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Littorinimorpha
Superfamily: Littorinoidea
Family: Annulariidae
Henderson & Bartsch, 1920
Type species
Annularia
Genera

See text

The family Annulariidae is a taxonomic family of small operculate land snails in the superfamily Littorinoidea.

Characteristics

(Original description) This family encompasses all New World "Cyclostomoid" mollusks previously classified under the family names Cyclostomatidae or Eriidae.

Key Distinguishing Characteristics: The primary feature that separates this family from all other operculate pulmonates is found in the radula (the rasping tongue), which exhibits a fundamental uniformity across the large number of included species.

Radula Structure
the radula possesses a consistent tooth arrangement:
Foot and progression
The sole of the foot is longitudinally divided by a sulcus (groove), which separates it into two muscular masses. These two masses function independently, allowing the animal a method of progression by alternate waves of muscular contraction (first on one side, then on the other). The foot is relatively short.
Head and sensory organs
Operculum
The operculum displays a wide degree of variation across the family's divisions, yet it follows distinct evolutionary lines of progression. The structure ranges from a simple type to a highly complicated one, with intermediate steps easily traceable. All opercula possess a basal chondroid plate (cartilaginous base) upon which calcareous ribs and lamellae (thin plates) are deposited. Modifications of these calcareous structures are used to subdivide the family into a series of subfamilies and genera, as will be discussed below.
Shell
The shell shape varies widely, from depressed helicoid (flat, spiral like a snail) to elongate conic. The surface sculpture varies greatly: from axially ribbed only to axially ribbed and spirally lirate (with fine spiral lines). The intensity of these elements ranges from obsolete (faint) to lamellose (layered/plate-like).

Genera

Subfamily Abbottellinae Watters, 2016
Subfamily Annulariinae Henderson & Bartsch, 1920
Subfamily Chondropomatinae Henderson & Bartsch, 1920
Subfamily Rhytidopomatinae Henderson & Bartsch, 1920
Subfamily Tudorinae Watters, 2006

Distribution

Island of Hispaniola and the Bahama Archipelago.

References

  1. ↑ MolluscaBase eds. (2020). MolluscaBase. Annulariidae Henderson & Bartsch, 1920. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=368483 on 2020-08-10
  2. ↑ Henderson, J. B.; Bartsch, P. (1920). "A classification of the American operculate land mollusks of the family Annulariidae". Proceedings of the United States National Museum. 58 (2327): 54. doi:10.5479/si.00963801.58-2327.49. Retrieved 30 October 2025. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.