Amber Snail – 5/19/19

Observer: Paul Lauenstein Observation Date: 5/19/19 Observation Time: 2:45 p.m. Observation Location: Billings Loop Botanical Trail Common Name: Amber Snail Scientific Name: family Succineidae Comments: This terrestrial snail was one of many crawling on a skunk cabbage leaf beside the trail. More Information: Terrestrial Mollusc Tool

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Garden Snail – 6/4/09

Observer: Paul Lauenstein Observation Date: 6/4/09 Observation Time: 10:00 a.m. Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road, back yard garden Common Name: Garden Snail Scientific Name: Helix aspersa Comments: This is the same species eaten in France as “escargot.” See http://www.esquire.com/style/answer-fella/escargot-0808 More Information: ARKive

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Freshwater Mussel – 7/9/10

Observer: Paul Lauenstein Observation Date: 7/9/10 Observation Time: 4:40 p.m. Observation Location: outflow pool below Gavins Pond Dam Common Name: Freshwater Mussel Scientific Name: Elliptio complanata Comments: Mussels are filter feeders that cleanse water. Of the 12 species native to Massachusetts, 7 are in trouble because of pollution and/or dried up ponds and streams. Elliptio complanata mussels are relatively common, but well pumping for human use, threatens […]

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