Distribution and habitat preferences of clausiliids (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Clausiliidae) in the eastern part of The Polish Carpathians

Abstract

Seventeen species of Clausiliidae are recorded from the Bieszczady Mts, the Beskid Niski Mts and the Sanocko-Turczañskie Mts. Five (Macrogastra borealis (O. Boettger), M. tumida (Rossm.), Balea stabilis (L. Pfeiffer), Vestia gulo (E. A. Bielz) and Bulgarica cana (Held)) are common in all the studied regions. Balea fallax (Rossm.), Vestia elata (Rossm.), Clausilia dubia Drap. and C. pumila C. Pfeiffer are the rarest species. Macrogastra plicatula (Drap.) and Balea biplicata (Mont.) inhabit only the western part of the Beskid Niski Mts. The distribution of species was investigated with reference to altitude above sea level, habitat and microhabitat types. Ruthenica filograna (Rossm.), Macrogastra plicatula (Drap.), Laciniaria plicata (Drap.) and Balea biplicata (Mont.) occur below 800 m a.s.l. Clausilia cruciata Studer and Balea stabilis (L. Pfeiffer) are absent below 400 m a.s.l. The richest communities (up to 8 clausiliid species recorded sympatrically) inhabit alder forests in the valleys. Macrogastra tumida (Rossm.), Ruthenica filograna (Rossm.) and Vestia turgida (Rossm.) are characteristic for these habitats. Beech woods are inhabited by tree-climbing clausiliids (Cochlodina orthostoma (Menke), Clausilia cruciata Studer, Macrogastra borealis (O. Boettger), Bulgarica cana (Held)) and-in more humid sites-by litter dwellers (M. tumida (Rossm.), Vestia gulo (E. A. Bielz), V. turgida (Rossm.)). In the studied region Laciniaria plicata (Drap.) prefers anthropogenic habitats (e.g. stone walls, cemeteries).