Radix rubiginosa, commonly known as the Rust-coloured Pond Snail, is a freshwater snail with a distinctly rust-colored, relatively smooth shell. This species is part of the Lymnaeidae family, which includes snails that are adapted to living in aquatic environments.
Rust-coloured Pond Snail
Radix rubiginosa
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Mollusca
CLASS
:
Gastropoda
ORDER
:
Hygrophila
FAMILY
:
Lymnaeidae
GENUS
:
Radix
SPECIES
:
Radix rubiginosa
Other Information
Venomous?
This species of pond snail does not produce any poison and is harmless in terms of chemical defenses.
A Danger to Humans?
Radix rubiginosa poses no direct danger to humans. These snails are non-aggressive and do not have a harmful impact on human health, though they can be hosts for certain parasites and pathogens that may affect other species.
Population Status
While specific population size data for Radix rubiginosa is not extensively documented, members of the genus Radix are generally common in suitable aquatic habitats and are not considered endangered.
Life Span:
The life span of Radix rubiginosa can vary but typically ranges from one to two years, depending on environmental conditions such as water quality and temperature.
Weight and Length:
These snails are relatively small, with adult shells typically measuring 10 to 20 mm in diameter. Their weight is minimal, appropriate to their size.
Distribution:
Radix rubiginosa is found in various freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across Europe. They are well-adapted to a range of temperate environmental conditions.
Habits and Lifestyle:
Radix rubiginosa is primarily aquatic and can often be seen near the water’s surface or attached to submerged vegetation. They are active both day and night, adjusting their activity levels to environmental conditions.
Diet and Nutrition:
These snails are mostly herbivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, and plant material that they scrape from surfaces using a specialized mouthpart called a radula. This diet helps them play a role in the aquatic ecosystem by controlling algae growth and contributing to the breakdown of organic matter.
Mating Habits:
Radix rubiginosa is hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, which allows for flexible reproductive strategies. They can self-fertilize or cross-fertilize with another snail. Mating typically involves exchanging sperm, after which they lay eggs in gelatinous clutches attached to underwater plants or other submerged objects. The eggs hatch into free-swimming larvae before settling down and growing into adult snails.