Springsnails of Ash Meadows

Authors: Harold Fairfield

Year: 2022

Abstract

Ash Meadows is a desert oasis located in the southern portion of Nye County, Nevada as part of the Amargosa Desert. The numerous springs discharging here serve to concentrate a varied diversity of terrestrial and aquatic life. During 1985-1986 Robert Hershler and Donald Sada documented two genera of springsnails, Pyrgulopsis and Tryonia (Hershler & Sada, 1987) from these springs. Of the 11 species found, 9 were described as new species and 10 are endemic to specific spring habitats at Ash Meadows. These authors included descriptions and graphics of shell and penis variations for species diagnosis. This presentation is a compilation of shell, penis, and locality features serving to better understand the characteristics and distribution of Ash Meadows springsnails.