Unique Presentation Identifier:

8

Program Type

Undergraduate

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Kyler Hecke

Document Type

Poster

Location

Face-to-face

Start Date

9-4-2026 1:00 PM

End Date

9-4-2026 3:00 PM

Abstract

Freshwater aquatic snails (Basommatophora) are seldom surveyed, yet they play an important part in the aquatic community. Arkansas, is one state where there have been very few snail-specific surveys, especially in the South Central Plains Ecoregion. This project investigates the distribution and diversity of freshwater aquatic snails in three previously unsampled creeks in Arkansas (Champagnolle Creek, L’Aigle Creek, Moro Creek, Chemin-A-Haut Bayou, and Derrieusseaux Creek). Sampling was conducted across various sites within each watershed, qualitative methods were used to assess snail diversity and distribution patterns. A total of 659 individuals from 8 species were observed across all five watersheds. The most abundant species observed across all five watersheds were the Pointed Campeloma (Campeloma decisum; n =443), Tadpole Physa (Physella gyrina; n =63), Marsh Ramshorn (Planorbella trivolvis; n=35), Two-ridge ramshorn (Helisoma anceps; n =39), and Rotund Mysterysnail (Viviparus intertextus; n=44). There were 60 individuals from 6 species observed in Champagnolle Creek, 91 individuals from 4 species observed in L’Aigle Creek, and 273 individuals from 8 species were observed in Moro Creek. There were 159 individuals from 7 species were observed in Chemin-A-Haut Creek, 12 individuals from 4 species were observed in Derrieusseaux Creek, and 41 individuals from 8 species were observed in Moro. Two species were unique to Moro Creek: Midland Siltsnail (Cincinnatia integra) and Rotund Mysterysnail (Viviparus intertextus). One species was unique to Derrieusseaux: Creeping Ancylid (Ferrissia rivularis). This study contributes to the understanding of freshwater snail biodiversity in Arkansas, providing valuable baseline data for conservation efforts and further ecological studies in the region. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining diverse aquatic habitats for sustaining freshwater snail populations and underscore the need for continued monitoring of these sensitive species in a changing environment.

Comments

External mentor: Dr. Kendall Moles

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Apr 9th, 1:00 PM Apr 9th, 3:00 PM

Distribution and Diversity of Aquatic Snails (Basommatophora) in Tributary Systems of the South Central Plains Ecoregion in Arkansas

Face-to-face

Freshwater aquatic snails (Basommatophora) are seldom surveyed, yet they play an important part in the aquatic community. Arkansas, is one state where there have been very few snail-specific surveys, especially in the South Central Plains Ecoregion. This project investigates the distribution and diversity of freshwater aquatic snails in three previously unsampled creeks in Arkansas (Champagnolle Creek, L’Aigle Creek, Moro Creek, Chemin-A-Haut Bayou, and Derrieusseaux Creek). Sampling was conducted across various sites within each watershed, qualitative methods were used to assess snail diversity and distribution patterns. A total of 659 individuals from 8 species were observed across all five watersheds. The most abundant species observed across all five watersheds were the Pointed Campeloma (Campeloma decisum; n =443), Tadpole Physa (Physella gyrina; n =63), Marsh Ramshorn (Planorbella trivolvis; n=35), Two-ridge ramshorn (Helisoma anceps; n =39), and Rotund Mysterysnail (Viviparus intertextus; n=44). There were 60 individuals from 6 species observed in Champagnolle Creek, 91 individuals from 4 species observed in L’Aigle Creek, and 273 individuals from 8 species were observed in Moro Creek. There were 159 individuals from 7 species were observed in Chemin-A-Haut Creek, 12 individuals from 4 species were observed in Derrieusseaux Creek, and 41 individuals from 8 species were observed in Moro. Two species were unique to Moro Creek: Midland Siltsnail (Cincinnatia integra) and Rotund Mysterysnail (Viviparus intertextus). One species was unique to Derrieusseaux: Creeping Ancylid (Ferrissia rivularis). This study contributes to the understanding of freshwater snail biodiversity in Arkansas, providing valuable baseline data for conservation efforts and further ecological studies in the region. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining diverse aquatic habitats for sustaining freshwater snail populations and underscore the need for continued monitoring of these sensitive species in a changing environment.