Story: Earthworms

Snail eating an earthworm

Snail eating an earthworm

The kauri snail (Paryphanta busbyi) feeds mainly on earthworms. It is found naturally in Northland, but the subspecies Paryphanta busbyi busbyi has also been introduced into the Waitākere and Kaimai ranges. Most are found in kānuka and broadleaf forests. It is a large snail, 5 centimetres or more in length, and weighing about 10 grams.

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Department of Conservation
Photograph by Angela Paget

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How to cite this page:

Gregor Yeates, 'Earthworms - Earthworms in New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/15510/snail-eating-an-earthworm (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Gregor Yeates, published 24 Nov 2008