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Thersites mitchellae (Cox, 1864)
(Family Camaenidae)

This species used to be common in the coastal areas of northern New South Wales in wet sclerophyll rainforest from the Tweed River south to Ballina, but it is now extremely rare. The lowland rainforest habitat of Thersites mitchellae has been drastically reduced and is still being cleared. A snail of this size (45mm diameter) is very vulnerable to predation by birds and introduced mammals such as rats. There are only two sites where this large conspicuous species has been seen in recent years. It is found under loose bark on tree trunks and in palm frond bases.

Past distribution

Common, coastal area of northern New South Wales from the Tweed River south to Ballina. Only two lots (5 specimens) have been collected or seen in the last 70 years (based on Australian Museum, Queensland Museum records)

Present Distribution

Remnant, disjunct populations were discovered (four living specimens) on Stotts Island, Tweed River (1977,1981) and Cunbebin Wetland right behind Byron Bay (one freshly dead shell, 1996). No other sightings have been reported.

Threatened and Endangered Landsnail species
Meridolum corneovirens  | Placostylus bivaricosus  | Thersites mitchellae
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