New Species of Cave-Dwelling Micro Snails

New Species of Cave-Dwelling Micro Snails Latest News

Researchers recently discovered two new species of miniature, cave-dwelling micro-snails named Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni.

About Georissa meghalayaensis and Acmella bensoni

• These are two new species of miniature, cave-dwelling micro-snails. 
• They were discovered deep inside the damp limestone caves of Northeast India’s Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
• Georissa meghalayaensis was discovered at the edge of Meghalaya’s Krem Puri cave entrance.
  • It stands out from its closest relatives due to its striking orangish-red colour and a highly detailed, mesh-like pattern of ridges covering its tiny shell. 
  • In contrast, its closest known snail cousins typically sport yellowish shells with sharp, widely spaced spiral lines.  
• Acmella bensoni was found clinging to walls deeper inside both the Krem Puri and Arwah caves of Meghalaya.
  • This species distinguishes itself from similar snails by having a smaller, slightly transparent, whitish shell. 
  • It features deeply impressed grooves between the shell’s spirals (whorls) and an incredibly fine, densely packed pattern of tiny ribs that make the shell appear almost smooth. 
  • This shiny little snail was named in honour of William H. Benson, a legendary 19th-century scientist, celebrated as the pioneer of Indian Malacology, the study of molluscs. 

News: RM

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