Overview:  The Utah valvata snail makes its home in the deep pools bordering the Snake River rapids, as well as the flowing waters of less swift Snake River tributaries.  Gliding along the beds of submerged vegetation on the river bottom, the valvata snail feeds on plant debris and microscopic prey, such as diatoms.  This invertebrate is one of many that have been severely impacted by the damming of the Snake River.  Due to the higher temperatures and correspondingly low levels of oxygen in slow-moving waters, the Utah valvata snail cannot survive in the obstructed portions of the Snake River.  Increased water pollution has also contributed to the severe decline of this species.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a recovery plan for the Snake River and its endemic species, which you can view at http://endangered.fws.gov/recovery/recplans/index.htm.

Distribution:   Fossils of the Utah valvata snail have been found in ancient lake and river beds throughout California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah.  Presently, however, this species only occurs at a few sites along the Snake River and its larger tributaries--including Hagerman valley, below American Falls dam to Burley, and near Minidoka Dam.