Austropeplea tomentosa, commonly known as the New Zealand fluke pond snail,[1] is a species of air-breathing freshwater snail in the family Lymnaeidae.[2]
The species was thought to be widely distributed across Australia and New Zealand.[2] However, molecular research published in 2009 suggests that A. tomentosa is endemic to New Zealand, while Australian populations previously assigned to this species are distinct taxa, such as Austropeplea brazieri.[1]
Ecology and Distribution
The species is found throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It typically inhabits slow-moving or standing waters, including swamps, ponds, and the edges of streams.[1] It is semi-amphibious and can often be found on damp mud or trailing aquatic vegetation near the water's surface.[3]
Parasitology
A. tomentosa is a significant intermediate host for the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica).[3] Because it acts as a vector for this parasite, it has caused concern in agricultural areas where it can facilitate the infection of sheep and cattle.
References
123Puslednik, L.; Ponder, W. F.; Dowton, M. (2009). "Examining the phylogeny of the Australasian Lymnaeidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Lymnaeidae) using mitochondrial, nuclear and morphological markers". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 52 (3): 643–659. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2009.04.013.
12Boray, J. C.; McMichael, D. F. (1961). "The identity of the Australian lymnaeid snail host of Fasciola hepatica L.". Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. 12 (2): 150–162. doi:10.1071/MF9610150.
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