Rank Genus | Superfamily Rhytidoidea Scientific name Schizoglossa | |
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Lower classifications Schizoglossa novoseelandica | ||
Schizoglossa, common name the Paua slugs, is a genus of medium-sized to large predatory, air-breathing, land slugs, carnivorous terrestrial pulmonate gastropod molluscs in the family Rhytididae.
Contents
Distribution
The genus is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand (including the Great Barrier Island),
Species and subspecies
Species and subspecies within the genus Schizoglossa include:
Description
The shell is small, rudimentary, auriform (ear-shaped) and is situated far back on the animal. The shell is incapable of containing the body, and is reduced to the function of a shield for the lungs and heart. The shell is paucispiral, and is nacreous within. The columella is excavated into a pit for the reception of the shell-muscle.
The animal has no rachidian teeth.
Ecology
Schizoglossa has eggs with a calcareous surface which lacks cuticle.