Australian Land Snails Volume 2 covers 756 species in 39 families from an area that extends from western Queensland and New South Wales to Victoria and Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory; several species from Christmas Island are also included. The field guide is dominated by the Camaenidae (480 species) which has radiated exuberantly in the semi-arid and arid areas of Australia. Contained in the guide are more than 2000 colour images plus descriptions, distribution maps, key localities and habitat and ecology notes. Most species are illustrated in colour for the first time. Thirty-five genera and five species are described as new.
This guide is targeted at both professional and semi-professional malacologists as well as students, amateur natural historians and those involved in land management. But whether it is used as a manual for study or as an identification handbook, this field guide should be an inspiration for those with an interest in the natural world.
Volume 2 is now in the Queensland Museum bookshop (RRP $99 including GST). Also available on-line.
Clockwise from the left: Amplirhagada osmondi, WA; Sinumelon pedasum, SA; Torrestrachia hartogi, Molena I.; Mesodontrachia fitzroyana, NT. Images: Vince Kessner .
Facts About Snails 