my powelliphanta snail writing

In room 7 we have been Learning about mini beast . I have picked the largest snail in the world . But we have to make it about nz niavte mini beats Here is my writing 

       Powelliphanta Snails   

By Shannon 

In North Westland and Nelson in Aotearoa lives the Powelliphanta snails. The Powelliphanta snails
are the largest snails in the world weighing up to 90 grams. There are over 21 species. They belong to t
he gastropod family which means their foot is their stomach. They are invertebrates - this means they
have no spine.  

Physical features 

Their shell can grow up to 100mm across. Their shells have swirly patterns and come in black, brown,
yellow and pinky red colours. Most snails and slugs have blue blood. In the Nelson area there has
been a rare white snail discovery.  

Habitat  

Powlliphanta are found in the north west of the South Island around Buller and Nelson. They normally
live in damp conditions, such as under logs and leaves. Some species live in coastal areas and
mountain areas. 

Social behaviour 

They live in small colonies in separate areas. They normally come out at night to gather food and mate.  

Feeding  

Most powelliphanta are carnivorous eating worms and smaller snails and slugs. They have a radula.
The radula is a organ like tongue with is covered in rows of 33 teeth. It is estimated to be 6000 teeth.
When eating worms they suck the worms up like spaghetti.  

Life cycle  

The Powelliphanta lay up to 5-10 eggs a year but it is hard for the eggs and baby snails to survive.
The eggs are pinky white and 10mm tall the colours make it easy for birds to spot. They are
hermaphrodite this means they have both  gender organs. They also live up to 20 years.  

Threats  

Their predators are possum, weka, rats, thrushes, and wild pigs. Other man made threats like
farming mining and forestry are changing their habitat.      

                                          

   

                      

Facts 

Do not move or take the shell because it is hard to determine if it is empty or not.  

DOC took some Powelliphantas from a site where the government were going to make a road.
Unfortunately they died ( to D.O.C next time don't use fridges to cool down the snails ).