(Original description) The jaw and radula of the following species differ so considerably from those of the typical Borus oblongus Müll. that I considered establishing a new subgenus, Megalobulimus, into which the giants of the Bulimidae would be classified. These could be characterized by the absence of strong transverse ribs on the jaw, a finely granular shell, reddish-brown upper whorls, a white band accompanying the suture, and a white aperture. [3]
Distribution
These species are primarily found throughout South America—especially in the Andean Amazon and eastern Brazil. Some species are widespread across the continent, while others are locally restricted. [4]
Habitat
Habitats include humid tropical forests, grasslands, and often forest litter and soil. Some species have an affinity for limestone soils and may be found in or near caves.
The shell of Megalobulimus sp. (local name: "churito") is used in the traditional ethnomedicine of Northwest Argentina when babies are hyperactive and cannot sleep well, then it is advised to put a shell under a pillow.[8]
↑ Miller, K. (1878). "Die Binnenmollusken von Ecuador". Malakozoologische Blätter. 25: 172. Retrieved 17 July 2025. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
Kawano T. & Moreira Leme J. L. (1994). "Chromosomes of three species of Megalobulimus (Gastropoda: Mesurethra: Megalobulimidae) from Brazil". Malacological review27(1–2): 47–52.
Borda V., Ramírez R. & Romero P. (2010). "Glándula pediosa de moluscos terrestres y sus implicancias evolutivas, con énfasis en Megalobulimus / Pediose gland in land snails and its evolutionary implications, with emphasis on Megalobulimus." Revista Peruana de Biología17(1): . 43–52. PDF.
Rodrigo Salvador, José Fontenelle, Barbara Mizumo Tomotani: Taxonomic reassessment of Megalobulimus toriii (Gastropoda, Strophocheilidae); Journal of Conchology issue 3 vol. 43 p 313-320, 2019.
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