The distribution of Velacumantus australis (Gastropoda : Potamididae)

Abstract

Velacumanatus australis occurs in coastal lakes, estuaries, and shallow sheltered bays along the eastern coast of Australia, south of the Tropic of Capricorn, along the eastern coast of Victoria, the south-western part of Western Australia, and in Tasmania. It has recently become extinct along much of the southern coast of Australia. The habitat of the snail is described. The distribution of the species is limited by the lack of suitable habitat and probably by intolerance to high temperatures. The distribution of V. australis, and other molluscs often associated with it, does not follow the zoo-geographic provinces proposed for organisms living in the littoral region of rocky shores.