Ancotrema voyanum

Hooded Lancetooth

Family: Bulimulidae · Class: Gastropoda · Order: Stylommatophora

Conservation status: G1G2 S1S2

The hooded lancetooth (Ancotrema voyanum) is a terrestrial gastropod mollusk in the family Bulimulidae. This species represents one of four known species within the genus Ancotrema and is distinguished by its carnivorous feeding habits, which is characteristic of the Bulimulidae family. Specific morphological details regarding shell size, coloration, and distinguishing features have not been well documented in the available scientific literature. The hooded lancetooth has an extremely limited distribution, contributing to its conservation concern. The species' current range and historical distribution patterns require further documentation, though it appears to be restricted to specific habitat types within its native range. Population data and detailed distributional information remain incomplete for this species. This species inhabits areas of damp forest environments, occurring in both upland and riparian habitats characterized by moisture-rich soils (NatureServe). Leaf litter and woody debris are critical habitat components for the hooded lancetooth, providing both shelter and foraging opportunities. The species appears to require consistent soil moisture and the complex microhabitat structure provided by decomposing organic matter typical of forest floor environments. As a member of the Bulimulidae family, the hooded lancetooth is presumed to be carnivorous, likely feeding on other small invertebrates, earthworms, or other gastropods. However, specific prey items, feeding behavior, reproductive biology, and seasonal activity patterns have not been documented in the scientific literature. Life cycle duration, breeding requirements, and population dynamics remain unknown for this species. The hooded lancetooth is classified with a global conservation rank of G1G2, indicating it is critically imperiled to imperiled globally, and a state rank of S1S2, reflecting similar conservation concern at the state level. These rankings suggest the species faces a very high to high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity, very steep declines, or other factors. The species' apparent dependence on specific forest floor microhabitats makes it potentially vulnerable to habitat disturbance, including logging activities, urban development, and climate change impacts that could alter soil moisture regimes. Forest fragmentation may also pose significant threats by reducing available habitat and creating edge effects that modify the moisture and temperature conditions essential for the species' survival. Detailed population monitoring, habitat requirements studies, and threat assessments are needed to develop effective conservation strategies for this poorly known species. This species is included on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Special Animals List. The limited available information underscores the need for additional field research to better understand the hooded lancetooth's ecology, distribution, and conservation needs.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.