Elimia crenatella

Lacey Elimia

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
Lacey Elimia
Lacy elimia (snail)
FWS Category
Snails
Kingdom

Location in Taxonomic Tree

Identification Numbers

TSN:

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.

River or Stream
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.

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