Plants and Animals
Pupilla muscorum Widespread column
Key Characteristics
The widespread column is a small land snail with an elongated shell that is 3.4 - 4.0 mm long and 1.5 - 1.7 mm wide.
Status and Rank
US Status: No Status/Not Listed
State Status: SC - Special Concern (rare or uncertain; not legally protected)
Global Rank: G5 - Secure
State Rank: S2 - Imperiled
Occurrences
| County | Number of Occurrences | Year Last Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Charlevoix | 1 | 1949 |
| Mackinac | 4 | 2009 |
| Shiawassee | 1 | 1947 |
| Washtenaw | 1 | 1962 |
Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.
Habitat
This species inhabits calcareous slopes and wetlands. It is thought to be tolerant of disturbed habitats such as roadsides, culverts, and even quarries. In Michigan, it has been documented only from a rocky woodland and roadside cedar swamp.
Natural Community Types
For each species, lists of natural communities were derived from review of the nearly 6,500 element occurrences in the MNFI database, in addition to herbarium label data for some taxa. In most cases, at least one specimen record exists for each listed natural community. For certain taxa, especially poorly collected or extirpated species of prairie and savanna habitats, natural community lists were derived from inferences from collection sites and habitat preferences in immediately adjacent states (particularly Indiana and Illinois). Natural communities are not listed for those species documented only from altered or ruderal habitats in Michigan, especially for taxa that occur in a variety of habitats outside of the state.
Natural communities are not listed in order of frequency of occurrence, but are rather derived from the full set of natural communities, organized by Ecological Group. In many cases, the general habitat descriptions should provide greater clarity and direction to the surveyor. In future versions of the Rare Species Explorer, we hope to incorporate natural community fidelity ranks for each taxon.
Management Recommendations
This species may be more tolerant of disturbance than most rare snails. However, land-use activities that remove forest canopy cover and alter critical habitat requirements such as cool microclimate and moisture availability should be avoided at occupied sites. These include activities such as timber harvesting, residential development, and road building. The species also is sensitive to excessive trampling and ORV use.
Active Period
Active from first week of April to fourth week of September
Survey Methods
Surveys can be conducted anytime during the growing season, but are most successful in spring and fall following rain showers or when soil is moist, during high relative humidity and cooler temperatures. In addition to visual surveys, surveyors can collect samples of leaf litter, turf, and loose soil, dry in a low-temperature oven, and sift through, looking for shells.
Litter sampling
Survey Period: From first week of April to fourth week of September
Humidity: Humid
Precipitation: Just after rain
Visual surveys
Survey Period: From first week of April to fourth week of September
Humidity: Humid
Precipitation: Just after rain
References
Survey References
- Nekola, J.C. 1998. Terrestrial Gastropd Inventory of the Niagaran Escarpment and Keweenaw Volcanic Belt in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Small Grants Program, 1998 Nongame Wildlife Fund, Natural Heritage Program, Michigan DNR, Lansing. 133pp.
- Schilthuizen, M. and H.A. Rutjes. 2001. Land snail diversity in a square kilometer of tropical rainforest in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Journal of Molluscan Studies 67:417-423.
Technical References
- Nekola, J.C. 1998. Terrestrial Gastropd Inventory of the Niagaran Escarpment and Keweenaw Volcanic Belt in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Small Grants Program, 1998 Nongame Wildlife Fund, Natural Heritage Program, Michigan DNR, Lansing. 133pp.