Stereophaedusa valida

Species information

Scientific name: Stereophaedusa valida
Japanese name: オキナワギセル
Chinese name: 沖繩煙管蝸牛
English name: Stereophaedusa valida
Origin: Okinawajima

Ecology and description

Stereophaedusa valida has two subspecies:

  • The nominate subspecies (Stereophaedusa valida valida) occurs on the Motobu Peninsula and in the limestone areas of central and southern Okinawajima. Its shell is yellow-green to brown.
  • Stereophaedusa valida fasciata occurs in the Yambaru area of northern Okinawajima. Its shell has purple-black stripes.

The shell is about 30mm long. This snail lives on tree trunks, and the tip of its shell often breaks when it falls from a tree.

References:
Kubo H, Kurozumi T (1995) 沖縄の海の貝・陸の貝 (Marine and land shells of Okinawa). Okinawa Shuppan

Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates

Stereophaedusa valida fasciata Jul 30, 2023 Kunigami
Jul 30, 2023, Kunigami, Stereophaedusa valida fasciata
Stereophaedusa valida fasciata Jul 30, 2023 Kunigami, the shell of a juvenile is more pointed, like an ice cream cone
Jul 30, 2023, Kunigami, Stereophaedusa valida fasciata, the shell of a juvenile is more pointed, like an ice cream cone