Species · GBIF taxon 8823723
Amphidromus perversus
amphidromus perversusAlso known as Perverse Amphidromus, Left-handed Tree Snail, Indonesian Tree Snail
These striking arboreal snails are famous for their color polymorphism and unique shell-coiling habits, where left-handed and right-handed individuals coexist within the same forest canopy. They spend their lives clinging to the bark of tropical trees, scraping away microscopic algae and lichens with their specialized radula. During the dry season, they seal themselves to leaves or branches using a hardened mucus membrane to prevent moisture loss.
ArborealColorfulPolymorphic
- diet
- Lichens, algae, and fungi
- family
- Camaenidae
- threats
- Deforestation and over-collection for the shell trade
- life Span
- 3 to 5 years
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Populations are highly vulnerable to over-collection by commercial shell collectors due to their beautiful and variable patterns.
Never remove live snails from their host trees or disturb their resting positions.- Look Up: Search the undersides of leaves and tree trunks in humid tropical forests.
- Do Not Collect: Leave live snails and empty shells in place to protect local populations.
- Watch the Slime: Observe their slow movement on wet bark after a warm rain.