| Status | EN |
|---|---|
| Status system | IUCN2.3 |
| Status 2 | G1 |
| Status2 system | TNC |
| Taxon | Leptachatina lepida |
| Authority | Cooke, 1910 |
Leptachatina lepida is a species of small air-breathing land snails, terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusks in the family Amastridae. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Leptachatina lepida is endemic to the island of Hawaii.[1] It can be found in the saddle region between the volcanic mountains of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa[2]. It inhabits forested and dry land environments and is typically associated with leaf litter.[1][3]
Ecology
Oxychilus alliarius, commonly known as the European garlic snail, is an invasive snail that has been identified as one of the predators of L. lepida.[3] These omnivorous mollusks are abundant at the Pu’uwa’awa’a Forest Reserve where L. lepida can be found and may contribute to predation pressure on other native snails.[3] European introduced mammalian predators, including the Polynesian rats and black rats prey on Leptachatina lepida.[4] Other threats include habitat destruction due to military activities or construction in the area, as well as predation by the slug Euglandina rosea.[1]
References
- ^ "Leptachatina lepida". 2.116669. Retrieved 3 May 2026.
- ^ schommer (2022-07-15). "CEMML team helps military conserve rare species on Hawaii's Big Island". CEMML. Retrieved 2026-03-09.
- ^ https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/files/2014/02/PWW_biol_assessment.pdf
- ^ T, Jan (2015-08-17). "Hawai'i's depleted natural treasure chest: oh, what we've lost". Raising Islands--Hawai'i science and environment. Retrieved 2026-03-09.