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Otala punctata (Müller, 1774) On Amelia Island (page two) |
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Both Otala punctata and the sibling species Otala lactea (Müller, 1774) (native to Spain and southern France) have been introduced into Florida - the latter reportedly first found in the Florida Keys in 1931. The species are very similar in appearance but can be easily separated by the coloration of the reflected part of the outer lip (labrum) as shown below. Because of past confusion in the identification of the two species, it is difficult to ascertain exactly where within Florida the respective species have been found. For Otala punctata there is anecdotal evidence that the species is present in the Tampa area in addition to Nassau County. Otala lactea has been confirmed from Pinellas County and has been present there since at least 1937. |
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