Oahu Tree Snail, Pupu Kani O Hula
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Stylommatophora, Family: Achatinellidae, Genus: Achatinella, Species: A. mustelina · Achatinellidae (Achatinellid tree snail family) · Gastropod (terrestrial land snail), whole shell, ovate-conic spiral shape
Species
Achatinella mustelina
Shell Type
Gastropod (terrestrial land snail), whole shell, ovate-conic spiral shape
Family
Achatinellidae (Achatinellid tree snail family)
Size
Approximately 18 to 22 mm in length, which is average for an adult specimen of this species. Adults typically range from 15 to 25 mm.
Color & Pattern
Rich dark brown bands alternating with lighter tan, cream, and white longitudinal or spiral zones. The apex is whitish, grading into deep chocolate brown stripes across the body whorl. The coloration is completely natural and well-preserved.
Rarity
Extremely Rare (critically endangered and strictly protected by law; finding empty shells requires permits and is illegal in many contexts)
Habitat
Arboreal land snail found exclusively on native Hawaiian plants and trees in mesic to wet montane forests, primarily in higher elevation canopy and understory foliage.
Geographic Range
Endemic to the island of Oahu, Hawaii, specifically restricted to the Waianae Mountain Range.
Description
A classic, beautiful sinistral (left-handed) or dextral ovate-conic arboreal land snail shell with a smooth, glossy porcelain-like finish. It features distinct brown banding patterns over a pale base, a slightly rounded body whorl, and a simple, sharp outer lip with a thickened internal columellar fold typical of the genus.
Key Features
Left-handed (sinistral) coiling in many specimens, distinctive rich brown and cream banding patterns, glossy exterior texture, and restricted geographic locality to the Waianae Mountains of Oahu.
Collector Value
Extremely high historical and scientific value, but practically zero commercial value today as international and domestic laws strictly prohibit the collection, sale, or trade of Achatinella species. Possessing them without legacy permits is illegal.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears mostly intact with good preservation of color bands, though it is likely a weathered 'dead' shell found on the forest floor. Collectibility grade is Fine, but possession of native Hawaiian tree snail shells is strictly regulated and often illegal due to conservation status.
Interesting Facts
Known in Hawaiian culture as 'pupu kani o hula' (the singing shell that makes the sound of the hula) due to romanticized folklore. They are famous among evolutionary biologists for their high degree of speciation and color polymorphism. All species of Achatinella are federally listed as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act.
Ecological Role
They graze on fungi, algae, and epiphytic growths on the leaves of native trees, playing a vital role in forest health. Due to severe habitat destruction and invasive predators like the rosy wolfsnail, most species face imminent extinction, making conservation efforts critical.
Similar Species
Other species within the genus Achatinella, such as Achatinella apexfulva or Achatinella pulcherrima, which can be distinguished by specific color morphs, spire shape, and geographic distribution across different mountain ridges on Oahu.
Beach Finding Tips
Not found on beaches! These are strictly terrestrial land snails found on the mountain ridges and forests of Oahu. However, live or dead shells should never be collected from the wild due to extreme conservation laws.
Notes
Oahu