Magnicoccids
The main occupants of the Green Sea rainforest are gastropods.
Among them, Magnicoccids are a diverse genera that regroup large and colorful species of both carnivores and herbivores.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Magnicoccids can have very colorful shells and bodies, and some species have really wierd shell shapes. For example, M. Holschensteineri has a red and spiny shell that mimicks the large, dangerous Hypoptera sanguinea wasps.
All species have one or more pairs of vibratory and scent sensors on the lower head.
The smallest species, M. minus, rarely exceeds 5 cm, but the largest, M. gigantiops, is said to reach 2 meters long.
Genetics and Reproduction
All species are oviparous, i.e. they lay eggs, most of the time underground, but some which have adapted to life in the canopy lay their eggs in humid places between the branches and leaves of epiphyte plants.
The males of some species resort on visual or vocal courtship to attract mating partners. For example, M. gigantiops create deep, resonating tones, that can be heard from very far away.
Ecology and Habitats
Most species either live on the ground, or in the canopy. However, some species are semi-aquatic dwellers.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They are quite generalists in their own range. Herbivorous species can eat a large variey of plants, even some toxic trees.
for the few carnivores such as M. gigantiops, anything that they can overwhelm is a potential prey : insects, other gasteropods, mammals, small birds...
Genetic Descendants
Conservation Status
Some species are hunted for food, other like the tiny and magnificent Magnicoccus minus are hunted for ornament.
Comments