Habitats of Molluscs: Marsh Drains

Species frequently associated with marsh drains in Britain.

Marsh drain

The ditches which drain marshes (marsh drains) are wholly artificial in origin, and require regular and sensitive management if they are to be maintained. Without management, they silt up, eventually becoming marsh. All stages in siltation support interesting communities of invertebrates.

They are usually well oxygenated, slow moving and well vegetated and  can support invertebrate communities of outstanding importance.

Mollusc species often associated with such communities include :–

Gastropods: Acroloxus lacustris, Anisus vortex, A. vorticulus, Bathyomphalus contortus, Bithynia leachii, B. tentaculata, Galba truncatulata, Hippeutis complanatus, Lymnaea fusca,Physa fontinalis, Planorbarius corneus, Radix baltica, Segmentina nitida, Valvata cristata, V. macrostoma, Viviparus contectus.

Bivalves: Musculium lacustre, Pisidium milium, P. obtusale, P. pseudosphaerium, Sphaerium corneum, S. nucleus.

The nomenclature used in the list follows "An annoted list of the non-marine mollusca of Britain and Ireland."  by Dr. Roy Anderson,  2005 in Journal of Conchology Vol. 38: Part 6 pages 607– 637, which may also be accessed from the menu to the left under 'British Non-marine List'