Bothriembryontidae

Bothriembryontidae is a family of land snails, terrestrial gastropod mollusks. This family is primarily found in Australia and New Caledonia, with some species also inhabiting islands in the Pacific Ocean. They belong to the superfamily Orthalicoidea.

The snails in the family Bothriembryontidae are characterized by their solid, ovate shells, which are often smooth or with faint axial sculpture. The aperture of the shell is typically elongated and has a thickened outer lip. Coloration varies among species, but often includes shades of brown, yellow, or white, sometimes with spiral bands or streaks.

These snails inhabit a range of terrestrial environments, including forests, woodlands, and grasslands. Their diet consists mainly of decaying plant matter and algae. Like many land snails, they are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.

The taxonomy of Bothriembryontidae has undergone revisions, with some former genera now placed in other families or subfamilies. Despite these changes, the family remains a distinct group within the superfamily Orthalicoidea, notable for its geographical distribution and shell morphology. Current research continues to explore the evolutionary relationships and biodiversity within this family.